The next set of high tides to hit Bangkok start on the full moon in November and will peak on Sunday 13th November 2011. During this time it will be harder to drain water out to sea which might result in some flooding along canals and the river in Bangkok. Hopefully it won’t rain during this period as the storm drains are already full.
Follow latest #ThaiFloodEng news on Twitter @RichardBarrow
These are the times of high tide in Bangkok, at the Navy HQ. Please not that when the river is already high, it could start flooding at least an how before high tide. Also, the tides in the mornings are usually higher. To check the times of the high tides elsewhere, you can download the charts from the Royal Thai Navy website. I have seen people tweet links to other charts that don’t match these times. I suggest that you only use these charts by the Royal Thai Navy which I can verify are accurate.
i’m flying to bkk for shopping spree on 26-31 oct which is expected to be the second worsen due to high tides. another issue is that even i take the risk to fly there during that period im afraid the shopping market will be closed due to floods:( hope everything will be alright this weekend before i reschedule my flight.
You are right, markets are more prone to flooding so we cannot guarantee that they will be open. Malls of course will most likely be open. Can you delay your visit until next month?
I checking with the agency now. most likely can change to 1-5 nov. by then should be better right? cause the high tide was expected on 28-31oct and i dont think within 1 day the water will be cleared.
I am just check with you guys that the flood will be completely clear in december around christmas ?coz I planned to come down for vacation on that. hope to hear from yours suggestion and about floods.
thanks
That is correct. December and January are the driest months in Bangkok.
december would be all clear ?
Correct.
Hi Richard,
I will be in Bangkok from 15-18 October. I would like to enquire if there is any risk of flooding in the Pratunam area? Much appreciated if you could answer my question and all the best to you.
Thanks,
Peng Hui
Every area has a risk of flooding during that period. Sorry.
Hi Richard, thanks for the constant updates. It’s a great help to all of us about to visit Bangkok – much appreciated.
I am going there on this Monday 17th and going to stay in NEW PETCHBURI ROAD. SOI PETCHABURI 19 PHYATHAI RAJTHEVEE BANGKOK. Could you please kindly update the flood situation in this area?
Thanks you
That day is the last King High Tide which is part of the first danger period. I cannot tell you until this weekend. Hopefully we we will survive it.
Could someone please help me find a local thai newspaper that is reliable online so that I can translate the information myself. I don’t need speculations, gut feelings and perhaps like this guy in blue keeps saying but just real facts from a reliable local source. I am
Leaving in 3 days and I do not mind walking through te water but not be stuck in the hotel all day due to the flood. Since Thailand is in a tropical climate with poor sanitation, should I be worried about human parasites in the flooded water? Where can I get antiparasitic medications from in Thailand as it is rather rare to find them in the us. Also, will tap water be safe enough for brushing teeth as during flooding water pipes might leak and cause it to become unsterile. Please share your thoughts on this as I am going there with a young kid and a husband. As you can tell I am anxious about this as I have planned for this for months and only to find out that it might be ruined.
@Carrie
Try Bangkok Post, The Nation, MCOT. Unless you can read Thai, which I seriously doubt.
also read the
http://www.tmd.go.th/en/ for the weather forecast.
Also, for the record, this is what you would expect, for coming to Thailand during the raining Season. Pharamcies are a dime a dozen all over town. If they don’t carry what you are looking for, then head to the nearest Hospital.
Lastly, use bottled water. In dire cases, a cap-full of household bleach per bucket will sterilize even the most putrid of waters. (wont remove the organic/inorganic chemicals though)
Also consider donating some of your time at the relief centers should you be stuck with nowhere to go and nothing to do. Alternately, head to the Thai Red Cross and donate some blood there. They need it urgently. I think they still reward you with a warm drink and some cookies
Peace
Hi Richard,
We have booked to fly to Bangkok for the very first time on Sunday the 16th of October until Wednesday the 19th of October 2011. Please could you advise me the current flooding situation in Bangkok especially the main airport area and our hotel area at 133/2 Sukhumvit Soi 21 Road,Klongtoey Nua Wattana, Bangkok is still safe to come for these few days to explore Bangkok or not?
Thanks
Ali
No flooding in those areas at this moment in time. However, we are a little worried about the King High Tides this weekend which could bring flooding. All depends on whether it rains heavily too.
Seriously! The people on here are mostly reporting what we’re being told by the Thai media.
I wouldn’t suggest brushing your teeth with tap water in the height of dry season, let alone wet season. The sanitation in BKK works fine. It’s not deepest darkest Africa.
Have no idea where you get antiparasitic medications, i’m afraid!!
I am sure that if you look on the internet you’ll find reports that BKK won’t flood and reports that it’s about to flood. THis isn’t speculation, gut feeling or anything else, it’s the facts as far as you can be factful when Mother Nature’s concerned!!
Good luck – Amazing Thailand.
thankyou so much for your updates, its been the best news we have found, and your twitter page too! we are in bangkok now and leave on the 17th. we are staying sukhamvit 23, and are close to the skytrain, but were wondering if we should book a hotel closer to the airport for the last couple of nights? im not sure how much difference it will make, but id feel safer knowing there is less way to travel, with all the luggage especially. what do you think? thanks again for all your advice, you are performing a valuable service to us.
The Airport Rail Link is above ground. You can get to it by sky train to BTS Phaya Thai. Should be no problem.
Thks for your info, Richard.
I have postponed my trip at some costs as Thai Airways is not customer oriented at all. The extension from them is till 24th Oct which means it would be the next high tide period. Sigh, the response from them really made me worried if i ever encounter problems in BKK.
Thus, I more determined to postpone my trip planned at this weekend.
Hi I’m travelling to Thailand soon and will be staying in Bangkok from 3rd to 10th November and then Phuket from 10th to 18th November. Should I still travel?
Thanks.
Yes, November should be fine.
Should be over by November.
Dear Richard, thanks for the information and update. I am planning to visit Bangkok from 16th – 22 oct. Staying in Sukhumvit, Grand Millennium Hotel. Is it safe to visit now, official visit so difficult to postpone. Plz advice.
If you can postpone I always suggest that you do that. If you come you need to be flexible. There is no guarantee it will flood as it depends on whether we have heavy rain as well. BTW, Sukhumwit is apparently in one of the risky areas for floods.
like others i am coming over for this weekend 14-16th October. i usually catch a cab to my hotel in Satorn, will the traffic be worse on friday night and is the highway to airport subject to flooding as i have previously experienced minor flooding due to heavy rain on this road? am i better off taking the new train from the airport and changing to the underground?
my friend was supposed to be coming down from Ayutthaya is the train still running?
It could flood badly this weekend IF it also rains heavily. This is because of the King High Tides. Take a look at the weather when you arrive and make a decision at that time. But might be easier to take the Airport Rail Link. BTW, it is school holidays in Bangkok so traffic not as bad.
Hi Richard,
Will be flying over to bangkok for a weekend trip from tomorrow to Monday, 17th October. Staying at Silom area. Is the area flooded now (or in fact what do you think of the chances it being flooded over the weekend)?
Thanks,
Lilin
Not flooded now but does sometimes after heavy downpours. It then clears quite quickly. If it doesn’t rain at the weekend you should be alright.
Thanks a mil!!
Hi Richard,
My boyfriend is Saturday, October 15 in Bangkok, from Bali. They stay at the New Siam Guest House for one night. The next day they would again fly to the Netherlands. I heard from the walls surrounding the airport. There are already flooded parts? Do you expect flights from Bangkok Airport won’t go? And would you suggest to fly directly and to avoid Bangkok?
Thanks for your help!
Regards,
Yvette Volder
The Netherlands
I just came back from inspecting the irrigation canals around Suvarnabhumi Airport with the Samut Prakan Governor. Everyone is very happy with the situation and confident the airport won’t flood.
Thank you!!
Hi Richard i have to travel to India on 23rd Oct morning, currently i’m staying at Bangna, Sanphawut….. what you think by that time will there be any problem in accessing Swarnabhumi Airport?
Sunny at this moment. No rain. Has flooded a little in Bang Na but cleared quickly. It all depends if it is going to rain on the 23rd October. Sorry, no crystal ball
Thanks a Lot Richard
Richard,
My wife is returning to BKK on 25th Oct then going by bus to Mukdahan the next day, to travel to Savannakhet. She will be there for approx week returning same way to BKK on 4/5th Nov, where I will be arriving from Australia to meet her.. should this all be passed by then is she safe to travel ?? (2 mths pregnant also)… bit hard to change flights due to work committments etc.. Hope you can advise….
Thanks,
Jason
We are hoping that by November the worst is over for Bangkok.
We are hoping that by November the worst is over for Bangkok.
@Jason, you can also consider a direct flight from BKK to Savanakhet. And I believe that Air Asia also has a direct flight from BKK to Mukdahan as well. Flights sure beats the 14hr bus trip, especially if she’s pregnant.
Peace
tried to talk her into that but no you know the deal no telling em..lol… only fly Vientianne or Savannakhet when I am with her cos I sure wont sit for a 2 day camel ride thank you..
Cheers
Jason
hi
we will go to jakarta via bangkok , no halt in bankok only transferon 19 oct, shall there be any problem?
No problem at all.
Hi Richard
Plan to come to Bangkok this Sunday from 16thto19th. And stay at tower club at lebua. Is this anywhere near flood zone? Will tourist attrCtions be open and the great shopping I hear about? Thanks
All areas in Bangkok are at risk. The river areas even more so. Don’t forget it is the rainy season and it ALWAYS floods at this time of year. We just don’t know yet by how much and for how long. The Bangkok Governor said today he is confident Bangkok will survive the floods.
Hi Richard,
Have a business trip to Bangkok planned from 17th-20th (arriving on 16th). Looking thru the internet for updated news. Many different opinions, some say go, some say no.
Will only be in Bangkok area, do you think it’ll be fine during that period? Will Murphy (hahaha) show up?
15-18 is the danger period for Bangkok. If it doesn’t rain over the weekend then we might be alright. But possible to have some isolated flooding.
I ll arrive to BKK on Oct 15 and leave on Oct 19. Hope at least we can visit Grand Palace & Wat Pho, Wat Arun before we leave
. In the map you showed, it seems that Sukhumvit is safe, we stay at Soi 38
They are saying that Sukhumwit is one of the risky areas. You are arriving after the first danger period. Hopefully you will be alright. We should have a better idea by this weekend.
Not sure what tourists are so concerned about. I was in Bangkok when it flooded in October last year with my family and guess what, I have just booked today to take my family out on 22 October for a week. As tourists we should not allow a little rain to stop our trips. The Thai peeople and economy rely on us. You will be welcomed by the Thai people with open arms.
A lot of people were worried about the flooding last year in Bangkok, but as it turned out, it was minimal. Possibly the same again this year, but the difference is that we have had a lot more rainfall. And it keeps on coming.
Thanks Richard. We will take our chances. We love the people and the place so much
Hi Richard,
Really appreciate all the comments you gave. I be heading to pattaya on 20th for 2 days and next to bkk till 26. What would you foreseen? Is it safe? We are staying near to baiyoke sky, is it safe as well?
Many thanks
JJ
Pattaya should be alright. The second danger period for Bangkok is about the 28th October.
Hi Richard,
I planned to stay in Bangkok until Saturday evening. Is this ok or shloukd I already leave on Friday night?
If you can cut short your holiday in Bangkok then do so. There are plenty of other places around Thailand not affected by the flood.
Hello, I was wondering, as I am going to a friends house in Nichada Thani, Nonthaburi from Sukhumvit, Pradiphat Road. Is it safe, as I want to know before I go tomorrow. Is it really that dangerous?
The situation is unclear at the moment as Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani are both facing flooding at the moment. We will have a clearer picture in the morning.
So, might not be safe? Is it wise if my parents pick me up at 1:00pm on Saturday and reach home by highway?
Hi Richard,
Thanks for posting all those updates. I was wondering, my house is situated in Bang na (not very far from the Rama IX Park (Suanluang) and Seacon Square. Do you think it’ll get flooded in this area?? I heard this area is among the lowest in the city..
What about Mahidol in Salaya (putthamonthon sai 4)?
Thanks again!
I am not far from that area. I know it does flood often during rainstorms. Not sure about West of Bangkok.
Hi Richard – I have been following this post for the past three days and just wanted to say a big THANK YOU for all your time and effort, the info is priceless especially for those of us concerned… I’m personally travelling to BKK on the 08th of Nov for about a week and sincerely hope that the situation gets better soon, for my visit and more importantly for all the wonderful people of Thailand.
Once again Excellent Work with the page!!!
Hi Richard I will be coming to Bangkok with my family on 01Nov to 06Nov do you think by the stated date will be ok???
Yes, I am hoping so. In fact I am planning a holiday myself next week! Maybe go to Amphawa.
Hi Richard,
I have a Honeymoon planned from 10/31-11/11. We plan on staying at the Siam Siam Hotel in Bangkok for 3 days and then stay at the Banthai Resort in Phuket for the remained of the trip. I have been reading the news frequently for updates in regards to the conditions in Thailand. We cannot get a refund or cancel our trip even with a “deluxe” insurance package. The only way we can get our money back is if there is a state of emergency declared and people are evacuated. We had our travel agent contact both hotels and both hotels claim everything is good and there is sunshine. I understand that this weekend is a crucial factor in whether Bangkok will be flooded or not. I’m obviously nervous and worried already for my upcoming wedding and this is the last thing I wanted to worry about. Do you think by early November the floods will subside? Do you have any knowledge of the lcoation of the Siam Siam hotel in bangkok? Thanks so much
Please just concentrate on your wedding and don’t worry so much about the honeymoon. My gut feeling is that you will have a wonderful holiday in Bangkok/Phuket. Though as it is the wet season, you will get some rain. But it is all good as it makes the temperatures bearable.
Hi Richard,it is wery good work you do there. I have question abour north of thai. I coming to Thailand on 27 October and I have plan to travel to Sukhotai and Chiang Mai. Do you think that this plan is possible to make ? And my next question is about food and water suply ? Are there enought bottled water and food for tourists in Thailand. Than you for info.
J.
They are saying that those cities are open for tourists. However no trains going there and buses taking long diversions. About bottle water, I have found places like 7-Eleven are fully stocked.
hi we are travelling on October 22- 25, 2011 staying at the Rafael Mansion Bangkok Airport? Will it be okay to push through with the trip?
I’m advising people that if they can cancel or postpone then do so.
Hi Richard, much appreciation for all the information and updates you have provided, its definitely lot of work to do! decide to carry on with my travel date from 14-17 oct, will be there later soon, we cant change it anyway
keep up the gd work, ignore bitch such as Carrie D. from above post, showing such a gd example for her kid what “great” basic appreciation and respect is.
To dear Carrie, if u think this is not helpful for u, try somewhere else and stop been a loser. go hug your husband and children and cry for not able to get hold of your own situation for your own freaking trip
Hi Richard,
I’m glad to have found your website. I’m moving to Bangkok, and arriving at quite an inconvenient time which is tomorrow, Saturday the 15th. I will be staying at Sukhumvit Soi 23 for about 2 weeks, and will start working on Monday the 17th at Pratunam area, to be specific at Central World. Any advise regarding the flood around these areas? I heard the area near Robinsons will be flooded. Will the airport be affected? Thanks a lot.
Sukhumwit is in one of the risky areas but I don’t think it will flood for long. The airport is 99.9% safe from flooding (unless it rains REALLY hard).
I am having a trip only one person to Bkk from 26.11.2011 to 01.11.2011
Going to stay and visit there with my friend at Klong Luang, Pathum Thani 12120.
Can u some advice for me that is safe for me.
thanks in advace .
Pathum Thani is presently in the danger zone because of severe flooding in some areas. It might get worse over the weekend. Can you not call your friend and ask?
yes i called her and asked her about current situation but she told me ok now.
that is why i want some advice form u.
thanks.
Hi Richard,i has scheduled visit to bangkok on 20-23 Oct. It this recommended to travel there at the moment? I will stay in Citin Pratunam Hotel and plan to visit to Main Shopping Mall only.
Thanks in advanced
Best Regard
My gut feeling is that you will be alright. But please be flexible and have a plan b.
Haven’t I answered this question somewhere already?
Unless something bad happens this weekend, you should be alright next week. But please be flexible with your plans.
hi, i will be having a 5-days holiday in bangkok/pattaya, places to visit are wat arun and pattaya from 20-10 till 24-10, will it be very dangerous? everything have already been paid and arranged, do i need to cancel my trip?
At this moment in time there is no flooding in those areas. However, Wat Arun is alongside the river so be careful at high tide. Pattaya is fine also at this moment.
i am going to bangkok for 4 days 3 nights trip on 27 oct to 30 oct 2011. Is it advisible to go there? Please advise. Thanks
Like I said before, if you can cancel or postpone then do so. If you come then there is risk of flooding. By how much we don’t know as it is up to Mother Nature.