Bangkok floods trigger anger over government preparedness

Severe flooding in Bangkok has triggered public anger over the government’s preparedness and response after heavy rain overwhelmed drains, canals and roads across parts of the Thai capital. The city received a month’s worth of rainfall in three days in September, affecting roughly one-tenth of Bangkok. At least 40 people have died in floods across Thailand, while damage estimates have reached hundreds of millions of US dollars.

Residents in the Khlong Chan neighbourhood described being stranded for days. One resident, Siraprapha Sangseeluem, said her recently purchased car was submerged before she could move it to safety. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul faced angry receptions while distributing relief supplies.

Protesters reportedly chanted sarcastically about his earlier campaign promise that his party would make the country so wealthy people would not know what to do with their money. Anutin acknowledged the criticism, saying the government had not been good enough or prepared well enough. Political commentator Voranai Vanijaka said the Prime Minister’s visible relief work had appeared more like political marketing than decisive leadership.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt also apologised for delayed warnings and a slow start to relief operations. Opposition lawmakers criticised the response, including the timing of warnings and the pace of assistance. The flooding reflects longer-term vulnerabilities.

Bangkok is expanding over soft clay and sinking, while construction has outpaced investment in drainage and flood defences. Heavy storms can overwhelm the city’s limited outlets and floodplains. The cabinet approved a 160bn-baht, or $4.8bn, plan to divert water away from Bangkok.

The proposal includes a canal from Chai Nat province intended to reduce pressure on the Chao Phraya River.