Bangkok Floods 2026: Thailand Announces Two-Day Public Holiday
….More than 545,000 people affected across 25 provinces as authorities evacuate thousands and work to drain floodwaters
Thailand has declared a two-day public holiday in Bangkok and surrounding areas as authorities intensify efforts to drain severe floodwaters that have submerged roads, homes and communities following days of heavy rainfall.
The flooding has affected more than 545,000 people across 25 provinces, while at least eight people have reportedly died in flood-related incidents nationwide.
In Bangkok, nearly 4,900 residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). Some areas recorded as much as 470mm of rain within 48 hours.
All 50 districts of Bangkok have been declared disaster zones, while about 1,500 bedridden and vulnerable patients were transferred to hospitals for safety.
The government declared September 28 and 29 special public holidays in Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan to reduce movement and ease pressure on the affected areas.
Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sittipunt directed officials to lower water levels in the city’s canals to speed up drainage from flooded roads and residential communities.
“We must urgently lower the water level in the canals as much as possible to drain water from the roads and communities more quickly,” he said, while noting that some areas could require gradual drainage.
Economic impact
The flooding is expected to cause at least 11 billion baht ($327 million) in economic losses nationwide, according to economist Aat Pisanwanich of Rangsit University.
Aat said the disaster could reduce Thailand’s economic growth for the year by 0.3 percentage points to 2.1 per cent, while third-quarter growth could fall by about 0.5 percentage points to 1.7 per cent.
Bangkok and the eastern region are expected to experience significant disruption, particularly in wholesale and retail businesses, while industries and agriculture in other parts of the country could also suffer losses.
Authorities have advised residents in flooded and canal-side communities to avoid unnecessary travel, follow official updates and move to shelters where necessary.
Several public facilities, including sports and recreation centres, public libraries and the Bangkok Youth Centre, have also been closed for two days.
Prime minister faces angry residents
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul faced angry reactions from residents during a visit to the flood-hit Khlong Chan flats in Bangkok on Sunday.
Some residents questioned his presence and reminded him of campaign promises as he delivered relief supplies by boat.
Anutin said restoring electricity and drinking water supplies was among the government’s most urgent priorities.
Residents described difficult conditions, with some homes submerged in waist-deep water, power supplies disrupted and bathrooms rendered unusable.
A 33-year-old resident, Arita Sanpoka, said two elderly neighbours in their 80s remained trapped inside their home because they were unable to reach the lower floors.
Meanwhile, panic buying was reported in several areas, with some convenience stores running out of essential supplies.
Delivery rider Rachthanichporn Leeput, 37, said she had to walk several kilometres through floodwater after her neighbourhood was rapidly inundated.
“The water rose very fast. Many people, many households, couldn’t prepare in time,” she said.
The flooding has also disrupted livelihoods, with residents forced to wade through water to obtain essential supplies while struggling to make up for lost income.
