Bangkok Floods Force Thousands Into Shelters as Damage Tops $320 Million

Thousands of residents took shelter in evacuation centres across Bangkok on Monday as severe flooding inundated neighbourhoods, disrupted transportation and left some areas under waist-deep water following days of heavy rain.

Bangkok received about 320 millimetres (12.6 inches) of rain over two to three days last week, nearly matching the amount the low-lying capital typically receives throughout September.

At least 5,901 people had moved into 234 evacuation centres across Bangkok, according to a city administration official.

Thailand’s Interior Ministry said Bangkok was among 41 provinces affected by flooding since Sept. 16. At least eight people have died, while more than 580,000 households have been affected nationwide. More than 80,000 residents in flooded areas were unable to leave their homes, ministry officials said.

Authorities have deployed mobile kitchens and boats to support affected communities, with the government aiming to provide three meals a day during the flooding and for at least seven days after waters recede.

Economic losses from the flooding could reach at least 11 billion baht ($327 million) nationwide, according to Aat Pisanwanich of Rangsit University’s economics department. He estimated the floods could reduce Thailand’s 2026 GDP growth by 0.3 percentage points to 2.1%.

The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce estimated the nationwide economic impact at about 12.3 billion baht, with Bangkok alone potentially accounting for around 7 billion baht in losses.

In Bangkok’s Bang Kapi district, residents waded through floodwaters to buy food and other essentials, while some vendors moved their stalls to the edges of flooded streets. Sellers said customers were reluctant to remain in deep water for long periods.

Bangkok, a densely developed city built on a river delta about 1.5 metres (5 feet) above sea level, is particularly vulnerable to flooding during the rainy season. The city is also sinking by several millimetres each year, adding to its long-term flood risks.

In the eastern province of Rayong, authorities ordered evacuations after rising floodwaters pushed two reservoirs beyond their capacity, raising concerns in an area near a major industrial belt.

The latest flooding follows severe floods in southern Thailand last year, when 630 mm (25 inches) of rain fell over three days, killing at least 145 people and damaging more than 33,000 homes as well as schools, hospitals and highways.