With the floods in Thailand making the headlines across the globe, many travellers are asking whether it is safe to travel to Bangkok or other parts of Thailand during the deluge.
The floods have killed more than 350 people and affected millions of Thais, mainly in the north and centre of the country. Apart from in Bangkok, however, the country's main tourist destinations — including the popular southern islands of Koh Samui, Phuket and Koh Phi Phi — are as yet unaffected.
Despite this, the Thai media is already reporting that the flood crisis is taking its toll on the kingdom's tourism industry, scaring off holiday-makers.
So, what are the risks of visiting Bangkok or other flooded areas, and what can you do to avoid related health problems?
The current situation
Despite an extensive flood barrier around the city, Bangkok floods every year around this time after a few months of monsoon rains. The city is only just above sea level, so many parts are prone to very severe flooding. This year's floods are said to be the worst in half a century, however, and the next King or High Tide is on 26th-31st October, which could make the problem even worse.
The capital's main business district has not yet been affected, but the Thai government has just opened several key floodgates in a risky attempt to let built-up water flow through the city’s canals and out to sea. The canals could overflow, but it is not known how serious or widespread the flooding could become. Residents in all districts of the city have been warned to move their belongings to higher ground as a precaution, but have also been urged not to panic.
Beyond Bangkok, many other provinces are also flooded – including top tourist destinations such as
the ancient city of
Ayutthaya – while the popular islands in the south have escaped the deluge.
The main risks
Flooding presents some serious health risks. First off, sewerage systems can overflow, bringing sewage to street level – and anywhere that is contaminated with human waste can pose major health risks.
Widespread flooding can leave behind large expanses of stagnant water, which can provide a breeding ground for mosquito larvae. However, Thai authorities say micro-organisms will be used to treat stagnant flood water to prevent disease.
It's also dangerous to wade through deep floodwaters when you can't see the ground beneath your feet, because you could easily step into a pothole and hurt yourself. And while few travellers drive in Bangkok, many do take taxis – and that presents another potential hazard.
Another scare involved reports of a chemical leakage from the flooded industrial estate in Pathum Thani province, but Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health and Nava Nakorn Industrial Estate have both given public assurances that this is not the case, as hazardous chemicals have been moved to higher ground.
Staying safe
The obvious solution would be to avoid Bangkok until the floods have receded, but if that's not possible or you're already in the city, there are some other things you can do to reduce the health risks.
Try to keep up with the most recent news and avoid the worst areas of flooding. Avoid staying in accommodation in flood prone areas, moving instead to higher ground, and choose to spend times in destinations in the south that are unaffected. If you're travelling around Thailand for a month or so, the situation may have improved in a few weeks and you may be able to visit Bangkok and other flood-hit areas then. Remember that drinking water supplies may be compromised, posing serious health consequences – and always buy bottled water rather than drinking tap water (this holds true whether or not there's any flooding!).
