Bangkok Faces Sudden Flooding as Heavy Rains Persist



Two men pushing scooters through a flooded road in Bangkok
Canals across the Thai capital have burst their banks, leaving roads under water


A flood emergency disaster has been declared across Bangkok after 48 hours of heavy rain left roads in the Thai capital submerged.


Residents have been urged to stay at home, and those living close to the city's network of canals are advised to move their belongings to upper floors.


Thunderstorms, common in Southern Thailand at this time of year, have compounded the city’s drainage system, causing traffic chaos on roads already known for heavy congestion.


The rain is expected to continue into Sunday, raising fears that more canals could burst their banks.


Somkid Pheuk-ngam, a 67‑year‑old shopkeeper near a canal north of central Bangkok, said, “The water keeps coming in. It’s hard to get out now. It’s at my waist level.” Her shop has been closed for two days, and she believes water levels may be worse than the 2011 nationwide flood.


At present, no casualties have been reported in Bangkok, but the Thai Meteorological Service forecasts continued heavy rain throughout the week as the low‑pressure area moves toward central Thailand.


All 50 of Bangkok’s districts have been declared emergency zones. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the east of the city has been hardest hit and that pumps are working to remove water, though canal levels remain full.


“The rain keeps falling and we are doing our best. We are trying to pump the water out, but the water in canals is full… The risk areas are those who live near canals. Every canal is now filled,” he added.