Bangkok exodus begins
An exodus of Bangkok residents has begun ahead of floodwaters that threaten to swamp the city this weekend.
Budget hotels in the resort towns of Hua Hin and Pattaya are filling up fast as Bangkok residents take advantage of a five-day holiday ordered by the government.
As the flood threat mounts, some families already have sent their children and elderly members out of the city, said Risinee Sarikaputra, associate director for research and valuation with the property agency Knight Frank Thailand.
While hotels in resort destinations are almost full, few expect a revenue windfall as most are slashing prices to help those affected by floods, and the spending power of Thais is lower than that of foreigners, Ms Risinee told the Bangkok Post.
Knight Frank found the occupancy rate of Bangkok serviced apartments has risen, especially for buildings with above-ground parking.
Lower bookings from international visitors are being offset by bookings from local residents, albeit at lower rates.
Some expatriates have decided to go back to their home countries and others are relocating to Pattaya.
Many companies have rented hotel rooms near their offices for their staff and expatriates, with hotels near the airport showing high occupancy.
AirAsiaGo, the AirAsia travel portal, is collaborating with various hotels in Bangkok to offer hotel rooms at low rates.
Those who are affected by the flood crisis will only pay for the room’s operational costs in participating hotels. AirAsiaGo says it will assist in absorbing the cost of the site and credit card transaction fees.
Examples of room rates, including breakfast: Ramada Encore Bangkok 4 stars, Sukhumvit, Bt 1,200 (US$39 per night); Anantara Bangkok Sathorn 5 stars, Sathorn, Bt 1,300 per night; and Baiyoke Sky Hotel 4 stars, Pratunaam, Bt 2,000 per night.
Ian Jarrett
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