Bangkok floods send thousands into shelters after days of rain

Bangkok experienced devastating floods after days of heavy rainfall, causing thousands of residents to seek shelter. Pedestrians navigated knee-deep water while some ventured into supermarkets and floated their belongings in plastic tubs. Motorbike-taxi driver Aduenan Surorot expressed concern about running out of food as grocery stores struggled with low stock.

The prime minister's office cautioned against panic-buying and warned that price gouging was a criminal offense. Despite official warnings, many residents felt the alerts came too late. A vendor noted that this year's floods appeared worse than previous ones. Over 4,900 people were evacuated to shelters, and around 52,000 households were affected by the floods, prompting a disaster declaration across the capital.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt reported that several roads remained flooded, and water levels in the city's canals were still high. He visited a temporary shelter where about 1,000 people were accommodated. Scientists warned that extreme weather events would become more intense and frequent due to climate change. Flooding was reported in 25 provinces across Thailand, with over 10,000 soldiers deployed nationwide to aid in the relief efforts.

While some residents like Thidarat Silsuwan chose to clean up and salvage their belongings rather than go to a shelter, the heavy rains were forecasted to continue throughout Sunday, tapering off on Monday.