Bangkok authorities declared a disaster zone across all 50 districts of Thailand's capital Saturday after nearly three days of continuous heavy rainfall triggered widespread flooding throughout the city.
Almost 300 millimetres of rain fell since Thursday afternoon, according to Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. The persistent downpour inundated roads and canals, sending water into homes and stores adjacent to waterways. Major roads became entirely submerged, with vehicles attempting to navigate flooded streets and some appearing stranded in the water.
The disaster declaration enables local authorities to implement emergency measures, including accelerating drainage operations, setting up temporary shelters, identifying bedridden patients and other vulnerable groups, and assessing damage to facilitate relief and compensation efforts.
More than 5,000 people were evacuated from their homes, and approximately 50,000 families were affected by the flooding. A total of 233 facilities, including health centres and educational institutions, were prepared to assist victims of the storm.
All schools under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration remained closed Monday to ensure the safety of students, parents, teachers, and educational staff amid risks from continued rainfall and traffic disruptions. Governor Sittipunt advised residents to remain in their homes and recommended remote work for public employees.
The governor said the situation posed risks to lives and had caused damage to both public and private property, stressing the need for rapid assistance to affected residents and close coordination between relevant agencies. According to Sittipunt, the situation had stabilized by Saturday, with the possibility that floodwaters could recede within two to three days, provided no additional rain fell.
Disaster management officials warned of risks from flash floods and mudslides as rainfall continued across the Thai capital and central Thailand region.