Bangkok floods leave homes underwater and thousands displaced

Bangkok residents took refuge in shelters on Sunday as the Thai capital faced catastrophic flooding from heavy rainfall. Nearly 4,900 people were evacuated to shelters, with around 52,000 households impacted, prompting a disaster declaration across the city. Up to 330 millimeters (13 inches) of rain fell in some areas between Thursday and Sunday.

A man pushed his bike through a flooded road, while others navigated flooded pavements and walked along submerged roads. Cars and people were submerged in floodwaters, with residents clearing belongings from their homes. A 44-year-old office worker reported that the water level in his area was higher than the 2011 flood, which killed over 500 people.

Authorities worked to increase drainage, but heavy rain was forecast for the following days. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt urged residents to avoid traveling and closed hundreds of city schools. Some stores had empty shelves as residents rushed to buy essential items. The prime minister's office warned against panic-buying and price gouging.