Bangkok Transport Disrupted: Tropical Storm Wipha Halts Scenic Routes to Nan

The hustle and bustle of Bangkok’s Transport Company, affectionately known as Bor Kor Sor, came to an abrupt pause today, shaken up by the relentless downpours of Tropical Storm Wipha. Two scenic northern routes have hit a temporary roadblock. The culprits? Route 47, which leads from the vibrant heart of Bangkok to the serene town of Thung Chang, and Route 910, which navigates its way to the lush landscapes of Nan, now rendered unreachable due to Mother Nature’s watery tantrums.

In a candid announcement posted to its official Facebook page, Bor Kor Sor painted a somber picture of Thailand’s northern provinces, now awash with torrents from the unrelenting rainfall. Particularly hard-hit are Phrae and Nan, regions known for their beautiful rolling hills and now not-so-charming floods. The heavy downpour turned prime roads into rivers, making them utterly impassable for those intrepid bus drivers and their trusty vehicles.

Making matters wetter, the Phrae Provincial Bus Terminal found itself up to its watertight doors in floodwater, a squishy situation for any traveler. The company, in a display of nimble thinking, has rerouted operations, setting up a temporary pickup and drop-off station just behind the soggily inaccessible terminal. Passengers can now catch their rides in front of a local favorite eating spot, Khiang Khu Shabu. One would hope that the aroma of delicious noodles might take the sting out of a delayed trip—or at least soothe the soul while ticket sales shuffle to the improvised location.

For those whose travel plans have been literally washed away, Bor Kor Sor offers a lifeline: cancel or delay your journey at any of their offices across the nation. For the latest updates and maybe a pep talk or two, travelers are encouraged to reach out via the Social Booking Centre by calling 02-936-3660, and of course, Bor Kor Sor’s Facebook page is itself a bustling hub. Eager travelers can even chat them up on LINE with @TCL99. Facebook photos show the tempestuous trials and reflections of determined folks navigating their aquatic adversities.

The storm is creating a legacy here in Thailand, with Nan Province taking the brunt of its rage, not seen in over 47 years. Water depths have reached truly hair-raising heights of over two meters in some parts—a paddler’s paradise if ever there was one, albeit not for a bus service.

Just when you think the skies might clear, the Meteorological Department steps in like the spoiler at a sunny picnic. While Tropical Storm Wipha has gracefully exited the stage, leaving its watery tango behind, it seems two of its stormy cousins, Co-May lurking in the South China Sea and Francisco swirling in the western Pacific, may want to take the spotlight. Their destinations remain a mystery for now, akin to a suspenseful twist in a nature novel, but Thai officials are keeping a vigilant eye on the skies.

Meanwhile, the torrent in Phrae isn’t the only rain making headlines. Heavy showers continue drenching parts of the north, central, and eastern provinces—rained curses from Mae Hong Son to Kanchanaburi. As waters rise, residents in hilly and low-lying areas are urged to handle extra carefully the flash floods creeping into realms of danger.

The relentless rhythm of the storm has become the drum that dictates the dance of many lives here in Thailand, where preparations and precautions become the new norm under the shadow of darkened clouds. Right now, all eyes remain fixed on the skies, in what promises to be a rainy season to remember.