Overflowing dams pose risk to Hua Hin events

Heavy rains pressuring major dams in Phetchaburi province have sparked fears among tourism operators that the spillover could i nundate local attractions and threaten Hua Hin i n neighbouring Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Last month’s downpours recharged two large dams in the province to near capacity, necessitating t he spillover.

Tourism operators anticipate that if business areas in the province are inundated as a result of the spillover, events and meetings that are set to take place in resort towns such as Cha-am in Phetchaburi and nearby Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan will be affected.

According to Wassana Srikanchana, president of Hua Hin Cha Am Tourism Association, said one meeting with 200 attendants scheduled for tomorrow in Hua Hin is mulling whether to postpone the event or not.

But she has learned that operators mostly plan to carry on with their events, believing that the floods will not reach their venues.

Mrs Wassana said many hotels in Hua Hin and Cha Am are preparing for possible flooding by building temporary barriers and putting sandbags around their properties.

Moreover, they are preparing alternative transport options in case they need to evacuate guests.

Hotels and tourism operators in these areas are conducting business as usual, but vendors located on the bank of the Phetchaburi River and in low-lying areas have already relocated to higher ground.

Mrs Wassana said many events are planned in Hua Hin and Cha-am over the upcoming long weekend for Mother’s Day celebrations. If the flood risk is resolved, all events should continue as planned.

She also urged tourists who plan to visit the areas to check travel information.

As the area is in the low season for tourism, the average occupancy rate of some small hotels in Hua Hin and Cha-am may drop to 10-20% this week. The rate is similar to the same time last year, she said.

Four- and five-star hotels are operating at 40-50% occupancy because they have secured business through discounts and promotions a few months ahead of the low season.