{
  "id": 10127864,
  "title": "Flooding delays Thai Asian Games teams at airport by 8 hours",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/flooding-delays-thai-asian-games-teams-at-airport-by-8-hours",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-27T03:19:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Khaosod English",
    "slug": "khaosod-english",
    "url": "https://www.khaosodenglish.com/featured/2026/09/27/flooding-delays-thai-asian-games-teams-at-airport-by-8-hours/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Bangkok, September 27, 2026 — Severe flooding in Thailand caused significant travel disruptions for members of the Thai national team preparing for the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. Wrestlers, golfers, and rugby players found themselves stranded at Bangkok's airport for several hours after their baggage and sports equipment could not be loaded onto their flight. The team was originally set to depart on Thai Airways flight TG644 at 00:05 on September 27, but the delay occurred due to baggage-handling staff being unable to report for work because of the flooding. This meant the athletes' luggage and training equipment could not be loaded onto the aircraft, forcing them to travel without essential gear. Rugby coach Navy Capt. Thanyawit Kruasint confirmed that the disruption affected both the men's and women's rugby teams, along with athletes from other sports on the same flight. Thai Airways initially informed passengers that the flight would be delayed indefinitely, but as of 06:40 on September 27, the athletes and other travelers remained at the gate for over six hours. Thanyawit expressed understanding for the situation and hoped the flooding would subside quickly so staff could return to work and handle the baggage. The athletes finally departed at 08:00 on September 27, after waiting at the airport for several hours due to the flooding.",
  "summary": "BANGKOK — 27 September 2026, Flooding in Thailand disrupted the travel plans of members of the Thai national team heading to the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, with athletes from wrestling, golf and rugby stranded at the airport for several hours after baggage and sports equipment could not be loaded onto their flight. The […] The post Flooding delays Thai Asian Games teams at airport by 8…",
  "key_points": [
    "Severe flooding in Thailand caused travel disruptions for Asian Games team.",
    "Baggage-handling staff unable to work due to flooding.",
    "Athletes finally departed at 08:00 after 8-hour delay."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Japan Times",
        "title": "Shin Ohashi leads charge for Team Japan halfway through Asian Games",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/shin-ohashi-leads-charge-for-team-japan-halfway-through-asian-games",
        "published": "2026-09-26T23:33:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}