Flooding in Thailand
Heavy rainfall in Thailand has caused severe widespread flooding in many parts of the country; it is considered to be the worst flooding the country has experienced in a long time.
Floods can result in an increased risk of certain diseases that are transmitted by:
- Food and water such as travellers’ diarrhea, cholera, hepatitis A, typhoid fever, and leptospirosis.
- Insects such as malaria and dengue.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) advises against non-essential travel to Bangkok and flood-affected areas.
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that travellers practice safe food and water precautions and protect themselves against mosquito bites while in Thailand.
According to the Thai authorities, there are 26 provinces in the north, northeast, central, and eastern regions of the country affected by the flooding. The main areas affected are the central provinces along the Chao Phraya River, including Bangkok and Ayutthaya.
In Bangkok, several suburbs and areas close to the Chao Phraya River are experiencing flooding. Central Bangkok is not flooded at this time.
A map of affected areas in Bangkok can be accessed from the Thai Government Public Relations Department.
According to the Thai authorities many areas have not been affected by the floods including:
- popular tourist destinations in the central region including Pattaya, Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi and Koh Chang
- provinces in the south of Thailand.