Thai Vietjet and Lion Air are among the airlines to have cancelled flights to and from Chiang Rai, with the northern province struck by severe flooding.
The Bangkok Post reports that the overflowing Kok River means water has reached waist-high levels in Chiang Rai’s economic centre and is continuing to rise. In the Mueang district, roads and bridges have been closed, affecting access to Mae Fah Luang Airport and other locations, including the Pho Khun intersection.
Local residents have been evacuated in many areas, with fast-flowing floodwater and strong currents making ground floor homes uninhabitable. In some cases, local authorities used jet-skis to evacuate trapped residents.
Bosses at the city’s airport have confirmed that while it remains open, a number of airlines have cancelled services. Among those are Thai Vietjet and Lion Air, while several other carriers have told passengers they can change their date of travel without penalty.
Meanwhile, Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital says that currently, it can only take emergency cases.
The hospital is located in the Mueang district, which is one of 6 Chiang Rai districts affected by floods. The others are Chiang Khong, Chiang Saen, Mae Chan, Mae Fah Luang, and Mae Sai, according to the Bangkok Post.
The district of Mae Fah Luang has also reported 3 deaths.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
