Heavy floods force Bangkok to declare three districts disaster zones

Vehicles are seen stranded in flood waters along Phetchaburi Road in Bangkok on September 26, 2026. Bangkok authorities declared on September 26 a disaster across all 50 districts of the Thai capital after continuous rain caused heavy flooding. — AFP pic

First Published: Saturday, 26 Sep 2026 12:45 PM MYT

BANGKOK, Sept 26 — Bangkok authorities have declared three districts flood-disaster areas after persistent heavy rain disrupted travel and access to affected communities.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) said the declaration covering Nong Chok, Suan Luang and Khan Na Yao would allow relevant agencies to enter affected areas, carry out their duties and respond swiftly within their respective powers and responsibilities.

“The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will closely monitor the situation and take further action in accordance with the relevant procedures and regulations should other areas meet the criteria for declaration as public-disaster-affected areas,” it said in a statement.

The BMA said flooding had made travel and access difficult, affecting the public and posing risks to lives and physical safety while potentially damaging public and state property.

It said the situation therefore constituted a public disaster under Thailand’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act 2007.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, in his capacity as director of the BMA, signed the declaration on Sept 25, covering 13 sub-districts across the three districts.

Meanwhile, Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) director-general Theerapat Kachamat said flooding was affecting 11,796 households, or 37,036 people, across 12 provinces as of Sept 25.

The affected provinces are Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Sing Buri, Suphan Buri, Saraburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao, Sa Kaeo, Trat and Surin.

Theerapat said heavy to very heavy rain in several areas in recent days, coupled with water flowing from the North into the Central Region, had contributed to the flooding.

The DDPM said the flooding affected 38 districts, 143 sub-districts and 596 villages in the 12 provinces, with water levels rising in some areas including Suphan Buri, Chachoengsao and Sa Kaeo.

Heavy overnight rain in Chon Buri also caused flooding in Sattahip, submerging a one-kilometre stretch of Sukhumvit Road and severely disrupting traffic.

Thailand’s Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rain in several parts of the country, including Bangkok and surrounding provinces, through Sept 27, with warnings of possible flash floods and waterlogging in vulnerable areas. — Bernama