Flood-waters has begun to fill the capital's Lad Phrao intersection, where three major roads meet. Office towers, condominiums and a popular shopping mall are in that area as well, where the water is 15 inches (40 centimeters) deep. The intersection is just down the street from the famed Chatuchak Weekend Market, a major tourist attraction. Three subway stations are also being closely monitored but are still open. Barriers have been put around the underground stations in recent weeks to protect against possible internal flooding.
COMMENT: The flooding, which began in the country's north in late July and has killed some 450 people thus far, has been spreading across Bangkok's north and west for more than a week. The government has asked residents in eight of the city's 50 districts to evacuate. Residents in several other districts have been warned that they should be ready to leave.The water has yet to reach the city's central business district.
From my frequent updates on the massive flooding, I'm hopeful that inbound travelers to Thailand have heeded my suggestions that optional travel be deferred. It is entirely possible that normal commerce will not be restored for at least several more weeks. Continued updates will be posted as information becomes available.
