Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has declared all 50 districts of the capital as disaster zones following nearly 48 hours of relentless rainfall. The order, signed on Saturday morning, expands the designation from the initial three districts of Nong Chok, Suan Luang, and Khan Na Yao to the entire city. This administrative move is intended to facilitate a more rapid and coordinated response from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and other state agencies as floodwaters continue to disrupt daily life and traffic.
Residents received a cell broadcast alert shortly after 9 a.m. on Saturday, warning that canal water levels had reached critical thresholds and were projected to rise further. The Meteorological Department attributed the severe weather to a strong low-pressure system currently affecting the lower Central Plains and Bangkok, compounded by a strengthening southwest monsoon. Heavy rainfall is forecast to persist across the country through Sunday.
Data from the BMA Drainage and Sewerage Department indicates that September has been significantly wetter than historical averages. Between September 1 and 25, the capital recorded 487mm of rainfall, nearly double the 269mm average observed during the same period between 1991 and 2020. While city pumping stations are operating at a combined capacity of 1,200 cubic metres per second to manage the inundation, Governor Chadchart noted that drainage efforts would require time. "If the rain stops, it is expected that it will take 2-3 days to drain the floodwater," he stated during a social media update on Saturday afternoon. He further urged residents to remain calm, assuring the public that there is "no need to panic" and that the current situation would not mirror the 2011 flooding catastrophe.
Despite these assurances, reports emerged of residents stocking up on essential goods, with some retail locations experiencing significant crowds. Simultaneously, the Royal Irrigation Department announced an increase in water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat province, raising the rate to 1,950 cubic metres per second. Residents in low-lying areas along the Chao Phraya and Noi rivers have been advised to monitor water levels closely.
Beyond the capital, flooding has been reported in 20 provinces, including Nakhon Ratchasima, Chanthaburi, Phetchabun, Chon Buri, Chachoengsao, Buri Ram, Surin, Sing Buri, Samut Prakan, Nakhon Sawan, Phichit, Rayong, Ang Thong, Chai Nat, Uthai Thani, Prachin Buri, Ayutthaya, Sa Kaeo, Phitsanulok, Suphan Buri, and Nakhon Phanom.
