Bangkok Floods Disrupt Airports, Spare the Hotels — For Now

Photo Caption: Skyscrapers rise above Bangkok’s skyline. Bangkok's latest floods disrupted aviation operations, contributing to flight delays and baggage backlogs at Bangkok major airports, while the city's hotels reported little impact on bookings. Nearly 300 millimeters, or 12 inches, of rain fell on Bangkok as nonstop downpours ran from Thursday through the weekend. While floodwaters gradually receded, the Thai Meteorological Department forecast heavy rain across up to 80% of the area in the coming week. A study by Rangsit University estimated economic losses in Bangkok at 10.6 billion baht ($315 million). That is more than 40% of the estimated 25.3 billion baht in nationwide losses from disruptions to commerce, services and travel. Flooding disrupted operations at Bangkok’s two main airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, though both remained open. Flooded roads prevented some Thai Airways ground-handling employees from reaching the airport, contributing to departure delays and baggage backlog