Agencies team up to provide flood travel updates
With floods causing transport chaos across Bangkok, authorities are stepping up measures to assist travellers and tourists facing delays in getting to airports and, in some cases, missed flights.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has joined with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tourist Police and Tourist Assistance Centres to address problems people might be experiencing.
The TAT hotline 1672 will serve as the main channel for providing information. TAT offices in affected areas are working with hotels and tourism businesses to assist affected tourists, including those facing travel delays, missed flights or the need to extend their stays.
The TAT has also proposed issuing Thai- and English-language banners and travel advisories providing updates on rainfall, flooding and traffic conditions, and advising travellers to allow extra time when travelling to airports.
Suvarnabhumi Airport has advised passengers to allow at least three hours for international flights and two hours for domestic flights
Routes through the Lat Krabang area should be avoided due to high levels of standing floodwater, airport management said, recommending that travellers use the Motorway (Highway 7) or Burapha Withi Expressway instead.
Expressway tolls waived
The Expressway Authority of Thailand, meanwhile, announced a toll waiver on eight expressways from 1pm on Saturday to midnight on Sunday to alleviate public hardship and improve traffic flows:
- Chalerm Mahanakhon (Expressway System Phase 1)
- Si Rat (Expressway System Phase 2)
- Chalong Rat (Ram Intra-At Narong and Outer Ring Road)
- Burapha Withi (Bang Na-Chon Buri)
- Udon Ratthaya (Bang Pa-in-Pak Kret)
- Bangna–At Narong (S1)
- Kanchanaphisek Expressway (Bang Phli–Suksawat)
- Prachim Ratthaya (Si Rat-Bangkok Outer Ring Road).
Real-time information on road conditions will also be disseminated through Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) channels.
The Tourist Police will ensure the 1155 hotline is available to assist tourists, particularly foreign visitors and those requiring urgent assistance.
Airports of Thailand (AoT) has been asked to prepare areas to accommodate affected tourists at airports, while closely monitoring flooding and managing airport facilities.
The Digital Government Development Agency said the popular Tang Rat app would also be used to disseminate information on flooding, travel conditions, affected routes and assistance.
As well, authorities are compiling information from key information sources, including ThaiWater, the Department of Highways, Bangkok CCTV, GISTDA, Windy, the Meteorological Department and Google Flood Hub.
Key hotlines, including 1784, 1669, 1586, 1146, 1129 and 1130, will also be used to support communications and provide assistance.
Source – Bangkok News
