Source : Perth Now news
Aussies have been urged to exercise caution before travelling to Thailand as it continues to battle a flooding crisis.
The Asian nation has been battered by heavy rainfall and flash flooding over the weekend, with a staggering 300mm of rain estimated to have fallen over the course of just two days.
It has left swathes of the country underwater, with capital city Bangkok declared a “flood disaster”.
The crisis has prompted Australian authorities to update travel advice for people with trips planned to the popular destination.
Updated warnings issued from Smartraveller have provided several pieces of advice to Australians hoping to visit Thailand, urging people to take careful measures before travelling.
These include encouraging people carefully checking travel insurance policies to ensure they cover bad weather and to closely monitor road conditions.
“Heavy rain is occurring across Thailand,” a statement read.
“Landslides and flash flooding can occur without warning. These may affect flights, roads, power, transport and phone services.”
Meanwhile, Australians continue to be urged not to travel to within 10km of the Thailand-Cambodia land border in Sa Kaeo, Buriram, Si Saket, Surin, Ubon Ratchathanio and mainland Trat due to ongoing conflict between the two nations.
“Exercise a high degree of caution in Thailand overall, due to security and safety risk,” the warning reads.
“Stay safe by checking weather updates, following local advice, and avoiding flooded or damaged areas.
“Check routes, monitor road conditions and allow extra time if travelling.”
The flooding has wreaked havoc across Thailand over the weekend, with Bangkok declared a disaster zone on Saturday.
Governor of Bangkok, Chadchart Sittipunt, made the declaration on Saturday after torrential rain left swathes of the city under water.
Main roads were flooded, partly submerging cars, while motorists were forced to wade through waist-high pools of water.
Thousands of people were forced to move into more than 200 temporary shelters which were set up in response.
