Chadchart plans ‘guerrilla’ pumping operation to target most-affected communities

BANGKOK — 29 September 2026, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the city is preparing a more targeted pumping operation, potentially seeking private-sector support and deploying large “Phraya Naga” pumps to drain flooded communities.

Speaking at Bangkok’s Flood Prevention System Control Centre at 10:00 on Tuesday, Chadchart, joined by deputy governors Wisanu Sapsompol and Sanon Wangsrangboon, said no additional rain had fallen and water levels in affected communities were gradually receding.

“We only know today’s rain forecast. We cannot forecast as far as the day after tomorrow; we have to look at the overall picture,” Chadchart said. “For now, it remains dry and there has been no additional rain.”

He said the main areas of concern remained Ramkhamhaeng, Bueng Kum, Seri Thai, Nawamin, Lat Krabang and Luang Phaeng, where flooding persisted but water levels were gradually falling.

On food distribution at Khlong Chan flats, Chadchart said the system had been adjusted to ensure aid was distributed more evenly, based on each community’s needs.

“There are 30 flats at Khlong Chan, as well as other buildings in the area, including around Lat Phrao 120. Everything is now in the system,” he said. “We know how many boxed meals are needed. If district offices cannot provide enough, central authorities will send supplies produced by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Education Department, with community representatives collecting the meals.”

He said earlier assistance had not always reached everyone because boats delivered aid first to the communities they encountered. Authorities were now accelerating help for deeper-lying condominium communities and housing estates.

Some areas were already improving, he said. Residents of Chinnakhet Village, who needed food deliveries on 28 September, no longer needed them because they could walk out to buy food at markets.

“As water levels begin to fall, demand will adjust to the real situation. Remaining resources can then be concentrated on other areas,” Chadchart said.

He said the current flooding covered a wide area and required support from multiple agencies, including boats and vehicles. Previous floods had often been more localised, but the scale of the latest heavy rain meant the BMA needed wider cooperation.

Chadchart said he expected water levels to fall more quickly over the next two days and that the BMA would accelerate pumping operations.

“The next thing we need more of is pumping water out of communities,” he said. “We are preparing a plan and may seek cooperation from several agencies, including private companies that may have large Phraya Naga pumps.”

Previously, pumping operations focused on moving water from canals into the Chao Phraya River, he said. The next phase could involve a more targeted, “guerrilla-style” operation, using submersible pumps and large pumps in specific villages and communities.

“If there is capacity outside the area, such as lower canal levels, we can mobilise pumps to help bring water down quickly,” Chadchart said.