Thai floods: Foreign Office declares Bangkok safe for travellers in new travel advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has changed its advice for holidaymakers to Thailand, calling for travellers simply to exercise caution when visiting the country's 22 flood-stricken provinces.
The FCO had been advising against all but essential travel to the capital Bangkok, as well as central, north-eastern and eastern Thailand.
But as the floodwaters recede, tourists have once again been informed it is safe to travel to Bangkok, despite national flights to flooded Don Muang airport still being directed to city's main international airport, Suvarnabhumi.
Inundated: Water surrounds a Buddhist temple in Bangkok
The FCO said: 'We now assess that the risk of floods affecting central Bangkok is reducing, though a small risk remains that some of the floodwater affecting the suburbs to the north, east and west of Bangkok could spread slowly towards the centre of the city.
'This risk will diminish as more floodwater drains into the sea.'
The website states: 'We continue to monitor the situation and update this Travel Advice on a regular basis.'
The Tourism Authority of Thailand reports the attractions that are now temporarily closed across the country include Safari World, Dream World, Future Park Rangsit, Central Pinklao, Central Ramindra, Central Ladprao, Fashion Island and the Mall Bang Kae.
In Ayutthaya, where flooding forced the closure of popular tourist attractions, waters have started to subside and officials say attractions will be reopened once cleanup is completed.
Most tourist destinations in central Bangkok, as well as restaurants, bars and shops, are ope! rating n ormally.
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Meanwhile, the island of Phuket has been relatively unaffected by the situation in the rest of the country.
Unlike some destinations such as Ayutthaya, Phukets attractions are open for business.
However, due to media coverage of the flooding, Thai news website The Nation reports some businesses on the island believe tourists are staying away from Phuket because of the perception that the whole country has been submerged in water.
Managing director of Phuket-based Sea Bees Diving Company told The Nation: When youre far away and see these headlines, you may choose Indonesia, the Philippines or another place to spend your holiday.
People dont realise that Thailand is a big place and that these events dont affect the whole country.
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