Thai capital Bangkok declared disaster zone amid widespread flooding

Bangkok, Thailand's capital city, has been declared a disaster-affected zone following torrential rain that caused widespread flooding, according to Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. Heavy downpours, amounting to nearly 300mm within 48 hours, led to flooded major roads with submerged vehicles and residents having to navigate waist-high water. The weather agency warned of potential thunderstorms over the weekend, exacerbating the situation.

The governor emphasized that the crisis poses a grave risk to lives and may damage both public and private property. The army is mobilizing shelters and field kitchens, while the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has turned schools into temporary housing and advised residents to minimize unnecessary travel. Supermarkets have been bustling with people stocking up on essentials.

A young resident, 19-year-old Sansuk Laowatcharakul, expressed concern over the lack of preparedness, stating, "I’m worried too, because I haven’t stocked up on food beforehand, and I’ve never faced this kind of situation alone before, since my parents aren’t with me."

In response to the emergency, the government advised residents near canals to relocate possessions to higher ground before the warning. Bangkok's main airport, Suvarnabhumi, remained operational despite the floodwater encroaching upon surrounding areas. The tourism authority counselled travelers to add two to three extra hours to their travel plans. Thailand had endured its worst floods in decades in November, resulting in at least 145 deaths and significant damage to thousands of homes.