Bangkok shoppers empty store shelves as flood paralyzes city

Bangkok faced a flood-induced shopping frenzy as residents rushed to stock up on essentials before rising waters made it difficult to venture out. 7-Eleven stores reported emptied shelves as customers stocked up on ready-to-eat meals, fresh and dried foods, drinks, bread, and snacks. One store employee attributed the sudden influx of shoppers to concerns about flooding and potential food shortages.

Shelves ran dry of items like instant noodles, various breads, and frozen food in areas like Soi Ramintra 19. Gas stations also reported running low on fuel, forcing many people to walk to markets in order to hoard rice and canned food. Store employees struggled to keep up with demand as customers feared floodwater might prevent them from purchasing supplies.

Bangkok experienced more than 300 mm of rainfall between Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning, leading to flooded homes, shops, and major roads. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt declared all 50 districts of the city disaster-affected. Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun instructed agencies and provincial commerce offices to monitor essential goods availability and prices, while working with wholesalers and retailers to expedite deliveries and restock affected areas.

Officials were also tasked with monitoring transport issues in disaster-hit locations to prevent distribution disruptions.