Flood situation Monday 31 Oct - Diethelm Travel Asia

Update on flood situation – Bangkok area – Monday 31 October 2011
Dear Travel Partners and Friends,
Over the weekend, the inner city of Bangkok has seen some local flooding along the river banks of the
Chao Praya River. However, authorities are confident that the worst has passed and that the risk of
flooding in the inner city of Bangkok has reduced considerably.
However, river levels remain high and there is still chance of flooding during high tide. The areas north,
west and east of Bangkok remain inundated, although water is reducing somewhat in some areas. It is
expected to take another month before these areas are drained. As the mass of water flows towards the
Gulf of Siam, new areas will flood, canals might overflow or flood barriers could fail. Hence, we are
cautiously optimistic that the situation in the inner city and the tourist areas will gradually improve in the
coming days.
Additional Holiday
The special holiday ends today, Monday 31 October 2011 and the authorities have announced that it will
not be extended. Hence, we can expect life in the center of Bangkok to return to normal as of tomorrow.
Riverside Hotels
Some localized flooding has occurred at the hotels on the Chao Praya River in the weekend. The river is
still high and flooding can occur. Hence, we continue to recommend to change any reservations made at
any riverside hotel for the coming 3 days. Our staff is in contact with our guests staying at these hotels
currently or who are arriving in the forthcoming days. We will notify you once we feel the situation is
back to normal.
Outlook for the coming days
As mentioned above, we do expect further flooding of areas to the west and east of Bangkok, however
the risk of floods in the center of Bangkok has reduced.
Loy Kratong Festival
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has cancelled the Color of the River, Loy Krathong Festival 2011
in Bangkok and all festivities along the Chao Phraya River. Loy Kratong continues to be celebrated in
other parts of Thailand on the evening of 10 November.
Affected Operations
We would like to update our information regarding our operations as shown below. Please note that
there are some changes.
Highway - The highways to the north and northeast of Thailand are still inundated. Roads to
the south, Hua Hin, Cha am, Pattaya, Koh Chang are not affected.
Trains - The trains to the south were stopped in the weekend, however have resumed services
again. Some train services to North Thailand have resumed, however circumventing the flooded
areas and therefore adding 2 to 3 hours to the journey. Schedules are limited.
Airport - The Don Muang International Airport remains closed. Suvarnabhumi International
Airport operates as normal.

Tours - The following tours can not be operated and we are forced to cancel these:
Ayutthaya All tours to Ayutthaya are cancelled until the end of November
2011.
Dinner Cruises on the Chao Cruises do not operate due to high water levels. We recommend our
Praya River
guests to enjoy a dinner & dance show instead.
City & Temples Tour, Grand The area around the Grand Palace and Wat Triamitr are
Palace Tour,
occasionally flooded. The Grand Palace can be visited, however
China Town area, Flower the experience will be minimal. Therefore, all tours are cancelled
Market and Thonburi Klong
Tours
up to and including Friday 04 November.
Upcountry Overland Tours All tours passing through Ayutthaya and Lopburi are cancelled
and we recommend to fly to Chiang Mai or Sukhothai instead.
At this moment in time, we can operate the following day tours:
o Damnoen Saduak / Floating Market
o Rose Garden
o River Kwai
o Evening dinner dance show
o Siam Niramit
o Siam Ocean World and Madame Tussaud in Siam Paragon
o Some of the cycling tours in Bangkok
Our reservations personnel will be in contact with the guests or agents to inform them of
cancellations and alternatives.
Other areas
All beach destinations such as Phuket, Samui, Pattaya, Hua Hin and Koh Chang are not affected.
All areas north of Sukhothai, including Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Lampang, are dry and tours
operate as normal.
Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact your reservations contact at
Diethelm Travel Thailand, or contact:
24 hours Emergency telephone: (+66) 81 911 1504
Maarten Groeneveld
Managing Director
Email: maarten.g@th.diethelmtravel.com
Phone: (+66) 81 836 1952
Hans Van Den Born
Assistant Managing Director
Email: hans.b@th.diethelmtravel.com
Phone: (+66) 81 375 2277
Sincerely yours,
The Diethelm Travel Team