Floods Hit 41 Thai Provinces, Bangkok Worst Affected

Heavy rainfall over the weekend has triggered flooding across 41 provinces in Thailand since 16 September, affecting more than 580,000 homes and resulting in at least eight deaths. In Bangkok, rainfall of up to 320 millimetres over two or three days has overwhelmed the drainage network.

As of Monday (28/9), several areas in the capital remained submerged in waist-deep water. At least 5,901 people have been moved to 234 evacuation centres, while more than 80,000 residents in affected areas are reported to be unable to leave their homes. The government has deployed mobile kitchens and boats to distribute aid.

“The goal is to provide three meals a day for all citizens during the flood period and for at least seven days after the water recedes,” said Unsit Sampuntharat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior.

In the Bang Kapi area, residents continue to wade through floodwaters to purchase essential goods. Some traders have moved their stalls to the edges of the flooded areas. “Customers do not want to enter; they do not want to stand in the water for too long. So, we have to stand in the water outside to sell,” said trader Marisa Singprakhon.

Bangorn Dednuam, 60, said food supplies in his home had run out due to the floods. “We have no more food because we did not prepare in time,” he said.

Economic losses are expected to reach billions of baht. Economic losses due to the floods are estimated to reach at least 11 billion baht, or approximately 327 million USD, across Thailand, according to Aat Pisanwanich from the economics department of Rangsit University.

“The floods are expected to cut 0.3 percentage points from this year’s GDP growth, bringing growth down to 2.1%, and reducing third-quarter growth by about 0.5 percentage points to 1.7%,” Aat told Reuters.

Bangkok and the eastern region are expected to bear the greatest impact, particularly in the wholesale and retail sectors. Meanwhile, the industrial and agricultural sectors are also affected in other regions.

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce estimates that losses in Bangkok could reach approximately 7 billion baht. The university predicts the total national impact could reach 12.3 billion baht, or roughly 6.6 trillion Indonesian Rupiah.

Flooding has also disrupted community and business activities. In several areas, residents are struggling to obtain food, and workers are unable to reach their workplaces.

Bangkok sits on a river delta with soft clay and is only about 1.5 metres above sea level. The city, with a population of over 8.4 million, also faces flooding during the monsoon season, which lasts about six months.

Rain continues, neighbouring regions affected

As of Monday (28/9), water began to slowly recede in Bangkok after almost continuous rain over the weekend. However, several residential areas and main roads remain submerged.

Rain is expected to continue in most parts of Thailand, although Bangkok is expected to receive lower rainfall. The Thai Meteorological Department has warned of the possibility of flash floods, river overflows, runoff from forested areas, and landslides, particularly near waterways, foothills, and low-lying areas.

In Rayong province, east of Bangkok, local authorities ordered evacuations after water levels in two reservoirs rose beyond capacity.

Flooding has also occurred in neighbouring countries. In Myanmar, at least 10 people have died and dozens others are reported missing after heavy rain triggered floods and landslides in the Tanintharyi coastal region. Dawei city recorded 346 millimetres of rainfall on Monday, breaking an 80-year record.

Meanwhile, flash floods have hit at least 10 provinces in Cambodia, affecting 44,889 families and forcing nearly 4,000 people to evacuate. In Siem Reap Province, managers of the archaeological area housing the Angkor temple complex are operating sluice gates and diversion systems to mitigate flood risks.

In Bangkok, the city government is accelerating drainage efforts as conditions improve, while aid continues to be distributed to affected residents. The Thai government has also declared Monday and Tuesday as special holidays for government offices and has requested state-owned enterprises, financial institutions, private companies, and hospitals to determine whether they need to remain operational.