Bangkok flooding: all 50 districts declared disaster zones - how to get to Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang
After 300 mm of rain in two days, Bangkok has declared a disaster in all 50 districts. The airports are open, but getting there takes longer: how much time to allow for Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, which trains are cancelled and what is happening on the line to Pattaya.
On 26 September the Bangkok authorities declared a disaster in all 50 districts of the capital. The decision applies from 25 September: about 300 mm of rain fell on the city in two days, at least 13 major roads are under water and the canals are full. The disaster status lets city services pump out water and help residents faster. For travellers, what matters most is roads and transport.
Both Bangkok airports are open and flights are operating, with possible delays. The problem is getting there: some streets are flooded and traffic is heavier than usual.
How much time to allow:
1. Suvarnabhumi - arrive 3 hours before an international flight and 2 hours before a domestic one.
2. Don Mueang - add 2-3 hours to your usual travel time. Metered taxis there are temporarily suspended, so book a car in an app in advance or take public transport.
3. Check your flight status with the airline before you leave, not at the airport.
Rail is the most reliable option, as the water has barely touched it. The Airport Rail Link to Suvarnabhumi is running, and so are the BTS and MRT. Buses A1-A4 to Don Mueang are running, but with delays.
On the national railway the picture is mixed. The Northern Line to Chiang Mai reopened on 27 September at 9:30, but some trains are cancelled or run on shortened routes. The Eastern Line is still disrupted: on 26 September trains from Bangkok to Juk Samet, which run through Pattaya, were cancelled. Cancelled tickets are fully refunded at any SRT station in the country. Train movements are shown on the SRT tracker, and the railway hotline is 1690.
If you are in Pattaya and flying out of Bangkok, the train is not an option right now, and on the highway you should allow extra time. The easiest way is to book a transfer from Pattaya to the airport in advance: the car picks you up at your hotel and the price is fixed. If you are in Phuket or Chiang Mai, the flooding in the capital does not affect you directly, but flights via Bangkok may be delayed, so check your flight status before you leave. In Bangkok, avoid flooded streets and stay away from canals: the current there is stronger than it looks.
According to the Thai Meteorological Department, the rain should start easing from 28 September. If you need help, these calls are free:
Tourist Police - 1155, English spoken
DDPM disaster hotline - 1784
Ambulance - 1669
TAT tourist information - 1672
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to write.