All 50 Bangkok districts declared disaster zones as heavy rain causes severe floods across Thailand

Bangkok authorities declared a flood disaster across all 50 districts of Thailand's capital after almost 300 mm of rain fell since Thursday afternoon. The heavy downpours flooded roads, disrupted traffic, and forced residents to evacuate from their homes. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that eastern parts of the city suffered some of the worst impacts, with canals filling rapidly and spilling water into homes and shops.

Emergency Response

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration reported that pumping stations operated at full capacity, moving about 1,200 cubic metres of water per second. Authorities prepared one million sandbags for distribution, opened temporary shelters in local schools, and deployed rescue teams to assist vulnerable residents. Governor Chadchart advised bedridden patients who rely on life-saving equipment to consider temporarily moving to hospitals. Officials also sent emergency warnings through the cell-broadcast system as canal water levels reached critical heights.

Wider Impact

Beyond the capital, flooding affected more than 84,000 people across 21 provinces by Saturday, with central Thailand experiencing severe damage. Thailand's Meteorological Department warned that heavy to very heavy rain would continue through September 27, driven by a low-pressure area and strengthening southwest monsoon conditions. The Civil Aviation Authority urged passengers traveling through Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports to allow extra travel time due to flooded approach roads. Furthermore, authorities warned of rough seas with waves reaching up to three metres in parts of the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.