Bangkok flooding disrupts travel as authorities declare disaster zone

Bangkok has been declared a disaster-affected zone after more than 24 hours of torrential rain caused widespread flooding, disrupting road travel, prompting evacuations and raising concerns for travellers.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt made the declaration on Saturday as authorities worked to drain flooded roads and residential areas. Some parts of the capital recorded up to 300mm of rain over 48 hours, with flooding reported on 93 roads and five major canals reaching critical levels.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said drainage pumps and tunnels were operating at full capacity. Officials estimated that around 223 million cubic metres of water needed to be removed from eastern Bangkok and said clearing the flooding could take two to three days if there was no further significant rainfall.

While Bangkok’s Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports were operating normally on Saturday, Thailand’s tourism authorities advised passengers to allow an additional two to three hours for journeys because of congestion and possible delays.

AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Vietjet have introduced flight-change and travel-credit options for passengers affected by flooding between 26 and 28 September.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has activated its 1672 Tourist Hotline and is coordinating with Airports of Thailand and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to monitor road conditions and assist stranded travellers.

The disruption extends beyond Bangkok, with neighbouring Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, and Samut Prakan coordinating on water management. Other parts of Thailand have also experienced flooding, potentially affecting domestic travel between Bangkok and regional destinations.