Bangkok declared disaster zone after nearly 300mm of rain in two days

Bangkok's governor declared the city a disaster-affected zone after torrential rain caused widespread flooding and nearly 300 millimeters of rain fell within 48 hours. Major roads became inundated, with vehicles partially submerged and residents compelled to navigate through waist-high water. The weather agency predicted thunderstorms for the weekend, exacerbating the crisis.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that the situation posed a threat to lives and could damage public and private property, particularly near canals. The army initiated shelters and field kitchens, while the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration designated schools as temporary accommodations and advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel.

Supermarkets were filled with people stocking up on essentials. 19-year-old Sansuk Laowatcharakul expressed concern about the unpreparedness to face such an emergency without parental support. The government issued an emergency advisory urging people near canals to move possessions to higher ground. While not all areas of Bangkok were submerged, the city designated all 50 districts as flood disaster zones to ensure swift response.

Over 200 shelters were established, and approximately 4,200 people had already moved in. Despite normal operations at Suvarnabhumi Airport, the tourism authority recommended travelers allocate an extra two to three hours for their travel plans. Air traffic control authorities confirmed normal flight operations, albeit with potential delays.

Governor Sittipunt assured that, given the heavy rain, flooding should subside once the rain ceased, as officials worked diligently to drain floodwaters swiftly.