Thai capital Bangkok declared disaster zone amid flooding

Bangkok's governor declared the Thai capital a disaster-affected area on Saturday due to torrential rain that caused extensive flooding, as forecasted by the weather agency for the coming weekend. Major roads were inundated with vehicles partially submerged, and residents had to navigate through waist-high water after receiving nearly 300 mm of rain within 48 hours.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt warned that the crisis threatened lives and could inflict damage on public and private property, with the situation most severe near canals.

The army began setting up shelters and field kitchens for disaster relief, while the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration designated schools for temporary accommodation and advised residents to steer clear of unnecessary travel. Supermarkets witnessed queues of people stocking up on supplies. 19-year-old Sansuk Laowatcharakul expressed concern, stating he hadn't prepared adequately for the situation, as his parents were not present.

The government issued an emergency advisory on Saturday for those living near canals to relocate possessions to higher ground. Bangkok resident Suppakarn Julavijitphong, carrying luggage from a condo surrounded by floodwater, admitted he was unaware enough to consider moving before the warning. Despite the main airport, Suvarnabhumi, operating normally, the tourism authority cautioned travelers to allocate an additional two to three hours for their travel plans.

Thailand had endured its worst floods in decades in November, resulting in at least 145 deaths and widespread damage to homes in the southern provinces.