Tourists, operators warned of possible flooding

BANGKOK, Aug 7 (TNA) – The Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat has issued warnings to tourists and tourism-related operators, especially in Phetchaburi province, to prepare themselves for possible flooding. Mr Weerasak said that the warning went to tourists and operators including hoteliers in flood-prone areas. They were advised to prepare evacuation to safe places when it is necessary. Phetchaburi was among the warned provinces as deluge from the Kaeng Krachan dam was expected to reach its center in the near future. Besides, the tourism and sports minister said, all organizations related to tourism including the Tourist Police Bureau and provincial tourism and sports offices were ordered to survey the impacts of flooding on tourist destinations and roads for the sake of swift warnings. During the ongoing school holidays in Southeast Asia, there were many tourists and officials had to be on standby for the sake of their safety, Mr Weerasak said. However, the minister said that there had not been any impact on major tourist destinations and local operators were already prepared for possible flooding. Mr Weerasak said he was more concerned about possible flood impacts on roads and tourists should check the conditions of their planned routes in advance. (TNA)