Thai capital Bangkok declared disaster zone amid flooding

Bangkok's governor officially designated the Thai capital a disaster-affected zone on Saturday due to severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall. Torrential rain within a 48-hour period resulted in nearly 300 mm (12 inches) of rain, causing widespread flooding that submerged major roads and forced residents to wade through waist-high water.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt warned that the crisis "poses a risk to people's lives" and could cause significant damage to both public and private property, particularly near canals.

The army has initiated disaster relief efforts, including setting up shelters and field kitchens. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has designated schools as temporary accommodation and advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Supermarkets have been bustling with people stocking up on essentials. A 19-year-old resident, Sansuk Laowatcharakul, expressed concern over being unprepared for such a situation, especially since his parents are not with him.

In response to the warnings, the government issued an emergency advisory for people living near canals to move their possessions to higher ground. Before the warning, many residents were unaware of the need to relocate, as noted by Bangkok resident Suppakarn Julavijitphong, who had to carry luggage from a condo surrounded by floodwater.

Despite the ongoing crisis, Bangkok's main airport, Suvarnabhumi, continued to operate normally. The tourism authority advised travelers to add an extra two to three hours to their travel plans.

Thailand has faced its worst floods in decades in November, resulting in at least 145 deaths and causing extensive damage to thousands of homes in the southern provinces.