THE TOURISM Authority of Thailand (TAT) has reported that most tourism sites in Chiang Mai have been unaffected by recent floods, while floodwaters which submerged the city’s commercial areas are receding (TTG Asia e-Daily, September 29).
According to TAT Chiang Mai office director, Chalermsak Suranant, the floods in the city centre are confined to two areas near the banks of the Ping River, specifically Chang Klang and Chiang Mai-Lampoon Roads.
The famous Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and several hotels are located on Chang Klan Road, which remained submerged up to ankle level this morning, while the TAT Chiang Mai office and some hotels and restaurants are located on Chiang Mai-Lampoon Road.
Chalermsak said hotels and establishments around the night bazaar were operating as per normal, with the exception of roadside stalls. “I am now at the Le Meridien hotel (on Chang Klan Road), which is unaffected by the flood. It’s also business as usual at the Centara Duangtawan hotel, which is located nearby,” he said.
Sukanya Janchoo, general manager of dusitD2 and Dusit Princess Chiang Mai, said the floodwaters did not flow into either of the hotels, both located on Chang Klan Road, although the street in front of Dusit Princess remains submerged up to ankle level.
Chalermsak said other tourist areas such as the old quarter around Nimmanhaemin Road, Doi Suthep, the elephant camps, Mae Rim, Bo Sang and San Kamphaeng were untouched by the floods, while flights and other major forms of transportation were operating as per normal.
“Provided there is no more heavy rain, city officials have confirmed that the floodwaters on the two roads should subside by tonight,” he said.
By Sirima Eamtako
