PATA says no need to change travel plans to Thailand

Wednesday, 19 October 2011 00:57 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) says there is no need for travel agents and tourists to change Thailand travel plans due to flooding to the north of Bangkok.

PATA head office is located in Bangkok city centre which is operating normally.

PATA Interim CEO Bill Calderwood said today: “As you are aware from TV and media reports, some parts of Thailand are experiencing much heavier than usual seasonal flooding. However, central Bangkok and the majority of its suburban areas are functioning normally. All of Thailand’s airports are operating normally, including Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. There has been no disruption to BTS “skytrain”, the MRT “underground” and public transport systems in Bangkok. All Bangkok hotels and major tourism attractions are also operating normally.” PATA says that the flood affected areas are to the provinces to the immediate north of Bangkok. Tourism and transport activities in those areas have been heavily affected and tour operators are modifying programmes that visit or have to pass through those provinces.

Calderwood said that travellers and travel industry professionals concerned about the Thai flood situation should get updated information on www.thailandtourismupdate.com. “The site has excellent information on the flood situation including contact numbers, transport updates, maps, news reports, tourist testimonials and more. I strongly recommend it as a useful resource.”

PATA’s Strategic Intelligence Centre said that as of October 18 it is likely that central Bangkok will avoid serious impact by the floods and that there is no need for travellers to change their Thailand travel plans. However, everyone should keep up to date with the latest news developments on the floods.

PATA said it is in contact with the relevant Thai authorities and is monitoring conditions. Calderwood said: “We will update PATA members if there is any substantial change to the situation.”