Bangkok floodwaters recede as Thai Airways battles baggage chaos

Bangkok's floodwaters are anticipated to recede within three days if there is no further rain, according to the government's latest update on Wednesday. The Thai capital had received approximately 320 millimeters of rain over a span of two to three days last week, which is roughly equivalent to the city typically receives in the entire month of September.

Despite Bangkok's main airports continuing operations throughout the weekend, Thai Airways faced significant challenges with baggage handling at Suvarnabhumi Airport, leading to the deployment of 69 Thai Air Force personnel on Monday to assist with ground operations.

The airline's struggles extended to Monday, when 34 flights were delayed and baggage from 52 flights between September 26 and 27 remained uncollected at the airport. On Tuesday, passengers at Suvarnabhumi International Airport were seen searching for their delayed luggage, as reported by Reuters photographs. Thai Airways issued a statement on social media early Tuesday, informing passengers that 34 flights had been delayed on Monday and that baggage from 52 flights between September 26 and 27 was being delivered to travelers.

In another post, the airline announced the cancellation of eight flights on Tuesday due to the severe flooding situation in Bangkok, as well as aircraft rotation. This prompted the airline to warn that further flight cancellations or schedule changes could occur in the coming days.

The flooding has also had a significant impact on the Thai economy, affecting 1,267 businesses across 40 provinces, including 52 factories and 1,162 small and medium-sized enterprises. According to Thailand's industry minister Varawut Silpa-archa, the nationwide economic damage caused by the flooding is estimated to be over $320 million.