Authorities in Bangkok have declared all 50 districts of Thailand’s capital a disaster zone after three consecutive days of heavy rainfall triggered widespread flooding across the city.
The declaration, made today, Saturday, September 26, 2026, gives local organisations greater authority to respond to the emergency as floodwaters inundate roads, canals, homes and businesses in several parts of the capital.
Bangkok Governor, Chadchart Sittipunt said that almost 300 millimetres (11.8 inches) of rain had fallen since Thursday afternoon, overwhelming the city’s drainage systems and causing water levels to rise rapidly.
Photos and videos showed major roads submerged, with vehicles abandoned after drivers were unable to navigate the rising floodwaters. Water also entered homes and shops located along several canals.
Chadchart said that eastern Bangkok had been particularly affected and warned residents to prepare for further rainfall on Saturday.
“The rain keeps falling and we are doing our best. We are trying to pump the water out, but the water in canals are full. The risk areas are those who live near canals. Every canal is now filled.”
Chadchart Sittipunt
City authorities have been working to drain the accumulated water as quickly as possible, with Chadchart saying flooding should begin to recede once the rainfall eases.
Later on Saturday, the government said the flooding situation had “stabilised”, although officials warned that it could take another two or three days for the water to drain fully if there was no additional heavy rainfall. “If more rainwater doesn’t fall in the area, it will be solved,” Chadchart said.
Authorities have also taken measures to help residents protect their vehicles from rising water. Chadchart advised motorists to move their cars to higher ground, while Bangkok’s public transport authority offered free access to MRT “park and ride” car parks where residents could leave their vehicles until October 2.
The flooding has disrupted movement across the capital, while emergency teams continue to monitor areas at risk of further inundation.
More than 200 shelters have been established across Bangkok, with approximately 900 people moving into them, according to Chadchart.
The disaster declaration also enables local organisations and authorities to coordinate emergency measures more effectively as officials respond to the continuing rainfall and its impact on communities.
Thailand’s disaster authorities have warned that the weather conditions could create additional risks beyond Bangkok, particularly as low pressure continues to affect eastern, northeastern and central parts of the country.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation warned of possible flash floods, forest runoff, mudslides and river overflows through Sunday.
Flooding Affects More Than 84,000 People Across Thailand
The flooding has extended beyond Bangkok, with more than 84,000 people in 21 provinces affected as of Saturday.
The central region has been among the areas particularly affected, prompting authorities to strengthen emergency monitoring and response measures.
The government said emergency warning messages had been sent directly to residents’ mobile phones to alert them to the flooding and potential weather-related dangers.
Authorities are continuing to monitor rainfall, water levels and drainage conditions as they assess the possibility of further flooding.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has urged people in vulnerable areas to remain alert to the risk of flash floods and other hazards linked to continuing rainfall.
In Bangkok, officials are focusing on pumping water from flooded areas and managing water levels in the city’s extensive canal network.
With more rainfall forecast, authorities have cautioned residents living near canals and other vulnerable locations to remain prepared, while emergency shelters remain available for people displaced by the flooding.
The situation is expected to improve if the rainfall subsides, but officials have warned that several more days may be needed before floodwaters are fully drained.
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