CHIANG RAI, Sept 12 (TNA) – Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai Airport has reported that flooding has occurred within the airport complex, specifically in the areas of the airport entrance and staff housing. However, the floodwaters have not reached the passenger terminal, aircraft parking areas, or runways.
Despite a power outage, the airport has a sufficient backup power supply to maintain operations. Aircraft are still able to take off and land. The airport remains open to passengers and flights, serving as a central point for providing assistance.
Sqn.Ldr. Somchanok Tiamtiabrat, the director of Mae Fah Luang Airport in Chiang Rai province, posted on Facebook that the airport is surrounded by rising floodwaters from the Kok River. The southern part of the airport, including staff housing, is completely submerged. Water is also encroaching on the eastern and western sides of the airport, making it difficult and unsafe for passengers to travel.
“If you are traveling from Bangkok, I do not recommend coming here at this time,” he said. “This is a disaster area and it is difficult to leave the airport. If you are in Chiang Rai and want to travel to Bangkok, please contact your airline for the latest updates. Most flights have been canceled. Airlines currently operating in Chiang Rai are focusing on evacuating stranded passengers back to Bangkok.”
He emphasized the principles of disaster management, stating that in disaster areas, people should not enter and efforts should be focused on evacuating people from affected areas. He added that airport staff are working tirelessly to protect Mae Fah Luang Airport, which he described as their last stronghold. – 819 (TNA)
