Southern Thailand Floods Situation Update

The flooding in Thailand’s southern region is currently affecting some southern areas, mostly in the eastern region of the Gulf of Thailand, due to heavy monsoon rains over the past few days.
The flood – the worst in 20 years according to local officials – prompted junta chairman Prayuth Chan-ocha to embark on an urgent visit to one of the provinces affected, while authorities scramble to evacuate residents trapped in their homes and re-open roads and rail tracks cut off by the deluge.

However, Phuket, Phang-nga, Krabi in the Andaman coastal area, and Hat Yai in Songkhla are unaffected by the floods, and all land and air transportation is operating as normal.

The worst-hit provinces, where rainfall covered over 80 percent of the area, were Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phang Nga and Ranong. Lesser affected provinces included Phuket, Krabi, Phatthalung, Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani.

RelatedArticles

UNESCO Honors ‘Tom Yum Kung’ and ‘Kebaya,’ Boosting Thailand’s Cultural Prestige

December 14, 2024

Thailand’s UNESCO Treasures: Exploring Natural and Cultural Marvels

December 13, 2024

Thailand’s Prominent Role in ‘The White Lotus’ Poised for Rewards

December 11, 2024

Thailand Celebrates Saudia’s New Direct Flights Connecting Riyadh and Jeddah to Phuket

December 4, 2024

Below is a tourism update in related to the flood situation in each region:

Ko Samui and Ko Phangan in the Gulf of Thailand and Trang in the Andaman coastal area have been affected by the floods, but the situation has eased as of 6 January, 2017.

Nakhon Si Thammarat: due to high-levels of floodwaters in the city centre, the province’s only airport has been temporarily closed during 6-7 January, 2017. Southern long distance trains from Bangkok have been suspended at Thung Song Station

Surat Thani: the north-south link Asian Highway No. 41 has seen some sections of the stretch being submerged under water. But quick temporary measures, such as temporary bridges and pumping of floodwaters have been put in place to allow vehicles to pass through.

Chumphon: On 6 January, 2017, an early morning Nok Air flight from Bangkok was unable to land at the province’s only airport, and was diverted to Surat Thani. The flight has since departed Surat Thani for Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport.

Narathiwat: Chao Mae Tomo Shrine in Su-ngai Kolok District is affected.

According to the Thai Meteorological Department, Southern Thailand and the Thai Gulf is still covered by a low pressure ridge which is moving up towards Myanmar and into the Andaman Sea. Heavy rain is expected in most southern areas, but the rains are expected to ease by the end of this coming weekend.

Tourists are still able to visit the South of Thailand but advised to check the news and with tour agencies about areas they plan to visit and to monitor the local weather reports.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is offering information and assistance to tourists through TAT Contact Center 1672 and all its offices in Thailand.

Source link