Bangkok, November 2011
Part IV

November 16, 2011

Warden Message to U.S. Citizens: Updated Travel Alert for Thailand

This Travel Alert is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to difficulties related to travel in the flood-affected areas of Thailand, including Bangkok. This Travel Alert supersedes the Travel Alert dated October 27, 2011, to update information on flooding. Floodwaters are generally receding, and the overall situation is improving. However,flooding still hampers transportation and limits access to some essential services in the affected areas. The U.S. Department of State advises caution if traveling to these areas of Thailand. This Travel Alert extends only to the areas of Thailand listed in the following paragraph. Most tourist destinations, such as Phuket and Chiang Mai, are unaffected by the current flooding. Bangkok's main international airport, Suvarnabhumi, is operating normally. This Travel Alert will expire on February 14, 2012. The most severe flooding in over 50 years is slowly working its way to the sea, and water levels are gradually dropping in areas that have already been flooded. The remaining affected areas include metropolitan Bangkok and 22 additional provinces: Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chainat, Singhburi, Angthong, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Lopburi, Sara Buri, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, Nakhon Nayok, Pracheen Buri, Chacherngsao, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Kamphang Peth, Ubon Ratchathani, Srisaket, Roi-et, and Kalasin.

Floodwaters are being diverted away from central Bangkok to flow through and around the eastern portions of Bangkok Metropolitan area as they drain to the sea. Flooding is more widespread in the outer Bangkok Metropolitan area. It is unclear how long these conditions will last, and U.S. citizens living in flood-affected areas should follow the advice of local authorities, monitor local media, and refer to the U.S. Embassy web page for specific information.

In many flooded areas, surface transportation has either been suspended or diverted to other areas. Portions of highways are closed, and bus and train services to and through some flooded areas are suspended or have been diverted. Don Muang Airport in northern Thailand, which typically handles a number of domestic flights, remains closed due to flooding. Flights into and out of Don Muang Airport have either been canceled or diverted to Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok's main international airport. We recommend travelers check with their airlines for additional details. U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Thailand are strongly advised to enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in case of an emergency.

U.S. citizens living in Thailand should contact the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok for up-to-date information on any restrictions. The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy (http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/service.html) is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok, and can be reached by calling 66-2-205-4049, or by e-mailing acsbkk@state.gov. The Embassy's after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-2-205-4000. The U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai (http://chiangmai.usconsulate.gov/service.html) is located at 387 Wichayanond Road in Chiang Mai. The American Citizen Services Unit of the Consulate General can be reached by calling 66-53-107-777 and by e-mail at acschn@state.gov. The after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-81-881-1878. You can also follow the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok's American Citizen Services Unit on Twitter for further updates.

Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 for callers from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

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