Due to the ongoing threat of flooding in Thailand, shipments to and from the kingdom have been affected.

The export of rice cargo is expected to be severely affected. In addition to the Authorities limiting vessel traffic in the Chao Praya River, to ease wash damage to properties adjacent the river, the majority of barges used to load rice cargoes have been unable to load cargoes as Ayutthaya Province, the origin of the cargo, has been severely flooded. Members expecting to load rice cargoes from Thailand should check cargo availability, to avoid delays.

In addition, due to flooding in the numerous Container Terminals and ICD's, their ability to accept more laden containers is also in doubt. Many ICD's have already resorted to stowing laden containers above empties, to avoid cargo damage and diverting containers to Laem Chabang, which remains unaffected currently.

Should members require any information, please contact our local correspondent Spica Services Bangkok:

SPICA SERVICES (THAILAND) LTD Phone: +66 2-266 6049

15th Floor, Sethiwan Tower Fax: +66 2-266 6048

139 Pan Road, Silom Telex: 21817 SPICA TH

Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 E-mail:

After Office Hours Contact: Residence Mobile

Capt. Saroch Sansook +66 2-932 0155 +66 81-611 6449

Tipakorn Songboonkeaw +66 2-542 4558 +66 81-822 5187

Capt. Chaiyan Thanapansakul +66 3-429 1105 +66 81-823 6712