Heavy Rain Triggers Citywide Flooding in Bangkok, Disrupts Traffic and Prompts Evacuations

BANGKOK — Persistent rain battered the Thai capital on Saturday, causing traffic disruptions and prompting the evacuation of hundreds of residents, with authorities declaring the city a disaster zone.

Thailand’s Meteorological Department warned that the heavy rain, which began Thursday afternoon, will continue across most of the country through Sunday.

Accumulated rainfall in parts of Bangkok since Thursday topped 30 cm (11.8 in), officials reported, with floodwaters covering central and eastern districts and halting road traffic.

Although not every district experienced flooding, Bangkok declared all 50 districts a flood disaster zone to enable swift emergency response.

Over 84,000 people across 21 provinces were affected by the floods as of Saturday, with the central region hit hardest; authorities dispatched emergency alerts to mobile phones, the government said.

South Korean visitor Hwang Hwan‑chung, who has traveled to Bangkok a dozen times, described the conditions as “crazy” and noted the difficulty of finding a taxi.

Resident Sukanya Tongsuk said the present flooding resembled the severe floods that struck Bangkok in 2011.

Dutch expatriate Bjorn Franken, who has lived in Bangkok for two years, said he managed to cope, though one event he had planned to attend was canceled.

Numerous businesses in Bangkok closed on Saturday because of the flooding.

Vehicles moved slowly through water‑logged roads in several areas of Bangkok, while motorcyclists pushed their bikes; authorities reported that some regional bus services to eastern provinces were suspended.

Phetchaburi Road, a major artery, was unusually quiet as floodwaters forced vehicles to turn back, with several cars left partially submerged.

Residents waded through murky water, carrying fresh water and food; some went barefoot, others wore rubber waders, and several wrapped plastic bags around their feet to stay dry.

Air traffic control confirmed that flight operations remained normal, though some flights could experience delays.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said that, although heavy rain persisted, floodwaters would recede once the rain stopped, as officials intensify drainage efforts.

More than 200 shelters have been established citywide, and approximately 900 people have taken refuge there, Governor Sittipunt reported.

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