Thailand floods kill 23, cripple Bangkok airport and spark $367 million aid plan
At least 23 people have died in recent floods across Thailand, with Bangkok’s main airport thrown into disorder and the government approving a multi-million baht relief package.
Since mid-September, torrential rain has inundated 24 Thai provinces, leaving at least 23 dead, four of them in Bangkok, according to the Interior Ministry. The capital received around 320 mm of rain in three days, nearly matching its typical September total, and floodwaters are expected to recede from major roads within two days but may linger elsewhere for up to a week. Suvarnabhumi Airport descended into chaos as half of Thai Airways’ personnel could not report for work, forcing the carrier to cut roughly 30 flights, about 30% of its scheduled departures, and leaving thousands of bags stranded.
Tourism minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul criticised the airline’s handling, suggesting management changes. In response, the cabinet approved more than 4 billion baht in emergency aid and green-lit a 160-billion-baht, eight-year drainage scheme to bolster flood protection for Bangkok and surrounding regions.
Why it matters
The disaster threatens lives, disrupts Thailand’s tourism hub and highlights infrastructure vulnerabilities.
How this story developed
- Sep 26 Bangkok declares citywide disaster as torrential rains dump nearly 300 mm since Thursday
- Sep 26 Temporary shelters have been opened, now housing roughly 900 people.
- Sep 27 Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul cut short his London trip to oversee the flood response.
- Sep 27 Rain has eased and canal water levels are beginning to drop.
- Sep 28 The Indonesian embassy confirmed that one of its citizens was stranded at a hotel after access roads were submerged.
- Sep 29 Pumps were kept running continuously and officials said the remaining water could be cleared within two to three days.
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