Week of Sep 27, 2026 · B.E. 2569 · Updated October 3 at 2:21 AM Bangkok time

Bangkok floods: what's real and what to do

A special edition. All 50 Bangkok districts have been declared disaster areas, and the WhatsApp groups are full of questions. Here's what's confirmed, what it means for you and what to do. We're updating this brief daily while the flooding lasts.

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Bangkok

01[Updated September 30][Official][Critical]

BMA schools in 15 flooded districts stay closed Sept 30 to Oct 2

What happened: Bangkok · Sep 30 · The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Education Office has closed its schools in 15 hard-hit districts for three more days, Wednesday September 30 to Friday October 2. The districts are Khlong Sam Wa, Khan Na Yao, Chatuchak, Bang Khen, Bang Kapi, Bueng Kum, Prawet, Min Buri, Lat Krabang, Wang Thonglang, Suan Luang, Saphan Sung, Sai Mai, Nong Chok and Lak Si. In 14 other moderately affected districts, district directors can close schools if conditions require it. The Cabinet's special government holidays covered only Monday and Tuesday (Sept 28–29) in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan. No extension has been announced, so government offices are due to reopen on Wednesday.
Why it matters: The closure applies to BMA-run schools, not automatically to private or international schools, which make their own decisions. The holidays for government offices are over, but many offices in the northern and eastern districts are still hard to reach.
Who it affects: Parents with children in BMA schools in the 15 districts listed; parents at private and international schools in eastern and northern Bangkok; anyone with a government appointment this week.
What you should do: If your child attends a private or international school, check the school's own messages; don't assume it's open or closed. Plan for BMA schools in the 15 districts to reopen Monday, October 5, unless the BMA extends the closure. For government appointments this week, call ahead and allow extra travel time. Bangkok hotline: 1555.

Source: The Standard (reporting the BMA Education Office announcement) · Verified Sep 30, 2026

02[Updated September 30][Reported][Important]

Eastern and northern Bangkok still flooded even without rain

What happened: Bangkok · Sep 30 · As of Tuesday, September 29, the BMA says eight districts still have serious flooding: Lat Krabang, Bang Kapi, Min Buri, Saphan Sung, Suan Luang, Bueng Kum, Khlong Sam Wa and Sai Mai. The BMA has told drivers to avoid 23 roads, including Ramkhamhaeng, Srinakarin, Nawamin, Ram Intra, Chaeng Watthana, Phahonyothin, Vibhavadi Rangsit, Lat Krabang and Luang Phaeng. It did not rain on Tuesday, but water was slow to go down. About 50 cm stood on Pattanakarn Road, and Lat Phrao Road near Soi 104, On Nut Soi 80 and Sai Mai near Big C were hard going for small cars. The worst-hit neighborhoods, such as the Lam Thong area in Saphan Sung, have had waist-deep water for four days. The BMA is pumping water from the east through the Saen Saep and Prasert Manukit canals and drainage tunnels into the Chao Phraya. It earlier estimated 2–3 days to drain once the rain stops. Central Bangkok (Silom, Sathorn, Siam, the riverside) is largely dry.
Why it matters: The drain estimate depends on dry weather, but the Thai Meteorological Department's 7-day forecast shows thunderstorms over 40–60% of Bangkok from September 30 to October 5. Riverside areas are also under a high-tide warning until October 4. The flooding is concentrated in the east and north, and most of the city center is getting back to normal.
Who it affects: People living in or commuting through eastern and northern Bangkok, especially by car, taxi or motorbike.
What you should do: Check your route before you set off, and use the BTS or MRT where you can. Don't drive a small car through standing water. Report flooding or ask for help through the BMA: call 1555 or use the Traffy Fondue app. The DDPM's disaster hotline is 1784.

Source: Post Today (BMA flood situation report) · Verified Sep 30, 2026

03[Updated September 30][Official][Important]

Airports open and all rail lines running; Thai Airways cancels 16 flights

What happened: Bangkok · Sep 30 · In its update at 1pm on September 29, the Tourism Authority of Thailand said travel conditions in Bangkok have improved. Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports are open. The Airport Rail Link, SRT Red Line, BTS Skytrain and MRT are all running, State Railway services have resumed on most routes, and most intercity bus and boat services are operating. Main tourist areas such as Siam, Ratchaprasong, Chinatown and the Grand Palace are accessible. Thai Airways, which was short of staff because of the floods, canceled round trips between Bangkok and Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Phuket, Hanoi, New Delhi and Singapore on September 29, and between Bangkok and Munich and Brussels on September 30. About 5,600 Thai Airways bags were still waiting to be delivered at Suvarnabhumi on Tuesday. The airline aims to clear them within 72 hours, with help from Air Force personnel.
Why it matters: Getting to the airports by rail works normally. Some roads in eastern Bangkok, including routes toward Suvarnabhumi such as Srinakarin and Lat Krabang, are still flooded, so taxis may be slow. The Thai Airways problems are staffing and baggage handling, not the airport itself.
Who it affects: Anyone flying Thai Airways this week, travelers still waiting for delayed bags, and people traveling to or from the airports.
What you should do: Take the Airport Rail Link to Suvarnabhumi or the Red Line to Don Mueang instead of a taxi, and leave extra time. If you're flying Thai Airways, check your flight status before leaving home and carry essentials in your hand luggage. Thai Airways contact center: +66 2 356 1111 (24 hours). TAT: 1672. Tourist Police: 1155. TAT updates this advisory daily; check the source link for the latest.

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand · Verified Sep 30, 2026

04[Added September 29][Official][Important]

High-tide warning for Bangkok riverside areas, Sept 29 to Oct 4

What happened: Bangkok · Sep 29 · Thailand's National Water Resources Office (ONWR) has issued a warning for high sea tides combined with water flowing down from the north, from Tuesday, Sept 29 to Sunday, Oct 4. It covers Bangkok and seven nearby provinces: Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram and Chachoengsao. River levels may rise quickly and spill into low riverbanks, communities outside the flood walls and some main roads. On Monday, Sept 28, the Royal Irrigation Department also raised releases from the Chao Phraya Dam upstream to 2,000 cubic meters per second and said releases may go up further.
Why it matters: Rain in Bangkok is easing, but this is a separate risk. It mainly affects places right on the Chao Phraya and its canals, not the whole city. Areas already drying out inland are not expected to reflood from the tide alone. Riverside homes, markets and piers outside the flood walls can see water rise for a few hours around high tide each day.
Who it affects: People living or working right on the Chao Phraya River or outside the flood walls, including riverside condos with ground-level parking, riverside markets, and anyone using river piers and boats.
What you should do: If you live by the river, move valuables and cars to higher ground through Oct 4, and switch off power at ground level if water comes in. Check pier and boat service before traveling. BMA help line: 1555. Medical emergencies: 1669.

Source: Bangkokbiznews, reporting the National Water Resources Office warning · Verified Sep 29, 2026

05[Updated October 3][Official][Important]

Storms forecast October 4–7, with Bangkok's heaviest rain October 5–6

What happened: Bangkok · Oct 3 · The Thai Meteorological Department's third warning on unsettled weather (No. 237/2569, issued 5pm October 2) says upper Thailand will see thunderstorms, gusty winds and isolated heavy to very heavy rain from October 4 to 7. The North and Northeast are hit first on October 4. Bangkok and its surrounding provinces, the Central region, the East and the upper South follow on October 5–6, and the rain moves south and west on October 7. TMD says the overall picture and the heaviest-hit areas haven't changed since its previous warning. Before that, the Hydro-Informatics Institute flagged rain risk on October 3 for eight eastern Bangkok districts that are still recovering from flooding (Watthana, Bang Kapi, Suan Luang, Bueng Kum, Khan Na Yao, Wang Thonglang, Saphan Sung and Prawet), and on October 4 for Bang Sue, Chatuchak, Dusit, Phaya Thai and Din Daeng. On October 2 the prime minister ordered all 76 provinces to prepare, and told Bangkok to speed up pumping ahead of the rain.
Why it matters: Eastern and northern Bangkok are still draining, so even moderate rain there can bring water back quickly. TMD expects most of the rain to be heavy rather than extreme, and forecasts can shift, but Monday and Tuesday (October 5–6) are the days to plan around.
Who it affects: Everyone in Bangkok, especially people in the eastern and northern districts that flooded, and anyone traveling or commuting on October 5–6.
What you should do: Stock a few days of water and food before Sunday, charge power banks, and keep vehicles on higher ground if you live in a low area. During storms, stay away from trees, billboards and power lines. Check flooded roads before driving (BMA hotline 1555; TMD 1182). TMD updates its warnings as the storm approaches; check the source link for the latest.

Source: Thai Meteorological Department · Verified Oct 3, 2026

06[Updated October 3][Official][Important]

Chao Phraya dam release up to 2,500 cubic meters per second; Bangkok on river watch

What happened: Bangkok · Oct 3 · The Royal Irrigation Department raised the release from the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat to 2,500 cubic meters per second at 3am on Friday, October 2, and says releases will stay in the 2,200–2,500 range as northern runoff arrives. A warning issued October 2 covers Bangkok and 10 provinces along the river (Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan). Water levels in low-lying areas outside flood barriers are expected to rise 0.40–0.70 meters. Authorities say they reassess every six hours and expect the upstream water to reach the lower river over the next two to three days.
Why it matters: This is a river problem, not a rain problem, and it affects a narrow strip of the city. Areas inside Bangkok's flood barriers are not expected to be affected by the higher releases. Riverside homes, piers, walkways and shops outside the walls are the ones at risk, and the rise could coincide with the heavy rain forecast for October 5–6.
Who it affects: People living or working right on the Chao Phraya outside the flood wall, river ferry and pier users, and anyone with plans in riverside communities in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani or Ayutthaya.
What you should do: If you live outside the flood barrier, move valuables and electrical items up now and know where you'd go. Check pier and ferry status before using river boats. Disaster hotline 1784 (24 hours); BMA 1555. The THAI DISASTER ALERT app carries official warnings.

Source: The Nation (Royal Irrigation Department / DDPM warning) · Verified Oct 3, 2026

07[Updated October 3][Official]

Bangkok's flood disaster area cut from 50 districts to 29

What happened: Bangkok · Oct 3 · Governor Chadchart Sittipunt signed an announcement on the evening of September 29 ending disaster-area status in 21 Bangkok districts where the rain had stopped and conditions were back to normal. All 50 districts had been declared disaster areas on September 25. The remaining 29 districts are still disaster areas (15 rated severely affected, 14 moderately): Khlong Sam Wa, Khan Na Yao, Chatuchak, Don Mueang, Din Daeng, Dusit, Thawi Watthana, Thung Khru, Bang Khen, Bang Kapi, Bang Sue, Bang Na, Bang Bon, Bang Phlat, Bueng Kum, Prawet, Phaya Thai, Phra Khanong, Min Buri, Ratchathewi, Lat Krabang, Wang Thonglang, Watthana, Suan Luang, Saphan Sung, Sai Mai, Nong Chok, Lak Si and Huai Khwang. As of 6am October 2, DDPM said water levels in Bangkok were falling, with 329,000 households affected and four deaths in the city.
Why it matters: The declaration lets district offices use emergency budgets and powers for relief. It isn't an evacuation order, and being on or off the list doesn't tell you whether your street is flooded. Several central districts popular with foreigners (Watthana, Huai Khwang, Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Chatuchak) are still on the list.
Who it affects: Residents of the 29 listed districts, especially anyone planning to claim BMA flood aid.
What you should do: If you had flood damage, claim aid through your district office or online whatever your district's current status, and ask the district office if you're unsure whether you qualify. BMA hotline 1555.

Source: Thai PBS (BMA announcement) · Verified Oct 3, 2026

08[Community report]

Food delivery is hit-and-miss depending on your area

What happened: Bangkok · Sep 27 · Community members report delivery orders being canceled in some parts of the city, while in other areas (e.g. around Sathorn) deliveries are slow but working. We haven't seen official statements from the delivery apps.
Why it matters: If you rely on delivery, you may not be able to count on it for the next few days, especially in the worst-hit east and north.
Who it affects: Anyone who relies on food delivery, especially in flooded neighborhoods.
What you should do: Keep a few days of drinking water and food that doesn't need a fridge. Order earlier than usual and expect delays. Nearby shops and convenience stores are often a faster option than delivery right now.

Source: Community reports · Verified Sep 27, 2026

09[Added September 29][Reported]

Private-sector jobs: labor department asks employers not to count flood absences as leave

What happened: Bangkok · Sep 29 · The Sept 28 to 29 special holidays approved by the Cabinet apply to government offices in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan. For private companies, the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare asked employers in those four provinces to give staff the same two days off. It also asked them to let flood-affected employees stay home or arrive late without counting it as leave or as misconduct.
Why it matters: This is a request, not a legal order. Private employers, including international schools and foreign companies, decide for themselves. Many readers assumed the 'public holiday' covered everyone. It doesn't automatically.
Who it affects: Foreigners working for private companies in Bangkok and the three neighboring provinces, especially those living in flooded areas.
What you should do: Check with your employer about whether you're expected at work and how flood-related absence will be recorded. Get their answer in writing if you can. If your home or commute is flooded, tell your manager early and keep a record (photos, messages).

Source: Matichon · Verified Sep 29, 2026

10[Updated October 2][Reported]

Thai Airways cancels more flights through October 3

What happened: Bangkok · Oct 2 · Thai Airways is still running a reduced schedule while ground staff at Suvarnabhumi catch up after the floods. It canceled more flights for October 1–3. On October 2, canceled flights include domestic routes to Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Chiang Mai and Phuket, and international flights to Copenhagen, Taipei, Singapore and Seoul. On October 3, flights to Amsterdam and the Seoul return are canceled. Several flights to Singapore, Penang, Taipei, Hong Kong and Osaka were moved to early-morning departures on October 2–3. More than 10,000 bags were delayed between September 26 and 28; about 3,300 had been returned to passengers as of September 30. The airline says it aims to be back to normal within about a week. While Thai Airways initially announced a temporary embargo, a high-level transport meeting subsequently reversed the decision. The airline will continue running cargo services, though specific processing stages may be significantly slowed down to gradually clear the existing backlog.
Why it matters: Bangkok's airports are open and other airlines are mostly running, but if you're flying Thai Airways in the next few days your flight may be canceled or retimed. Delayed bags from last week are still being returned.
Who it affects: Anyone booked on Thai Airways through about October 7, and anyone still waiting for a bag from September 26–28.
What you should do: Check your flight status before going to the airport, since some departure times moved earlier. Thai Airways: +66 2 356 1111 (24 hours) or customercare@thaiairways.com. Track a delayed bag at baggage.airportthai.co.th.

Source: The Nation · Verified Oct 2, 2026

11[Added October 1][Reported]

Stuck by floodwater? BMA hotline 1555 can send a high-clearance vehicle

What happened: Bangkok · Oct 1 · Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on September 30 that water in the main canals has dropped, except Khlong Prasat Buri Rom, and that water on major roads should recede within the day, except near that canal and along the eastern Chao Phraya bank. High-capacity pumps were lowering water at Khlong Chan by about 15 cm an hour. From September 30, district crews, with help from soldiers and the disaster agency, are collecting bulky flood-damaged items such as furniture and appliances. People who can't get through floodwater can call 1555 to request a ride in a high-clearance vehicle. The governor asked people who can work from home to keep doing so, because abandoned cars are still blocking traffic. The Prime Minister has asked the BMA to consider extending work-from-home arrangements; no new dates had been announced as of late September 30.
Why it matters: Most of central Bangkok is dry, but some eastern and outlying areas are still hard to get in and out of. Many people don't know the city will send a tall vehicle or collect large waste.
Who it affects: People in still-flooded parts of eastern and outlying Bangkok, and anyone with flood-damaged furniture or appliances to throw out.
What you should do: If you're stuck, call BMA 1555 (Thai-speaking; ask a Thai friend or your building's staff to help if needed). Put bulky flood-damaged items out for collection rather than dumping them in canals. Work from home if your employer allows it. Medical emergency: 1669.

Source: The Reporters · Verified Oct 1, 2026

12[Added October 1][Official]

No shortage of goods, but deliveries into flooded areas are slow

What happened: Bangkok · Oct 1 · Commerce Minister Supajee said on September 30 that warehouse stocks are adequate and that empty shelves in some areas come from trucks being unable to reach flooded neighborhoods, not from a shortage of goods. The ministry is working with retailers to restock and has arranged military vehicles to deliver where trucks can't get through. People can report areas with missing goods to the ministry's hotline 1569. Logistics operators say goods transport in Bangkok will need at least a week to return to normal if there's no more rain, and prices of some fresh vegetables, especially leafy greens, have started to rise.
Why it matters: There's no need to panic-buy. Gaps on shelves and late parcels are a delivery problem that should ease as water recedes, although more rain forecast for October 5–10 could slow that.
Who it affects: Anyone shopping or ordering deliveries in Bangkok, especially in eastern and outlying districts that are still flooded.
What you should do: Buy what you need for a few days rather than stockpiling. Expect online orders and parcels to take longer this week. Report shops that are out of basic goods, or unusual price hikes, to the Commerce Ministry hotline 1569.

Source: TOP News (Commerce Minister statement) · Verified Oct 1, 2026

13[Added October 2][Official]

BMA flood aid: higher payouts, no police report needed, online applications from October 2

What happened: Bangkok · Oct 2 · The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has changed its flood-assistance rules. Applicants no longer need a police report. Claims can go through district offices or an online system that the BMA said would open on the evening of Friday, October 2. Higher ceilings include up to ฿88,600 for home repairs (total damage, up from ฿49,500), ฿13,500 per household for work tools or business capital, up to ฿3,000 a month for temporary housing (two months maximum, with proof), and up to ฿2,000 (outpatient) or ฿4,000 (inpatient) per person for medical costs. The aid covers 118 subdistricts in 38 districts so far. Renters can claim with proof of their lease (homeowners get repair money). Documents: application form, damage photos, ID copy and bank details.
Why it matters: This is Bangkok's own aid, separate from the national ฿9,000 household payment. The BMA's document list names a Thai ID card, and it hasn't said whether foreign residents qualify or what they should submit instead.
Who it affects: Residents, including renters, whose homes, belongings or work were damaged in the flooded districts. Foreign residents should check eligibility first.
What you should do: Take photos of damage now and keep receipts and your lease. Ask your district office (or call 1555) whether you can apply with a passport. Apply online once the system opens or at the district office. For other unmet needs, use 1555 or the Traffy Fondue app.

Source: Government Public Relations Department (PRD) · Verified Oct 2, 2026

14[Added September 28][Official]

Special government holidays on Sept 28-29 have ended

What happened: Bangkok · Sep 28 · At a special meeting on Sunday Sept 27, the Cabinet made Monday Sept 28 and Tuesday Sept 29 special government holidays in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan because of the flooding. State enterprises and private companies decide for themselves whether to close. The Bank of Thailand asked banks to open as normal, and the stock exchange is trading. Government online services are meant to keep running. The Expressway Authority (EXAT) has extended its expressway toll waiver during the flooding.
Why it matters: This is a holiday for government offices, not a city-wide shutdown. Your employer may still expect you at work. Most walk-in government services (district offices, immigration and similar) will probably be closed for two days, which pushes back anything you'd planned there.
Who it affects: Anyone in Bangkok or the three neighboring provinces with government business on Mon–Tue, and anyone commuting by car (check EXAT for toll waivers).
What you should do: Check with your employer and your children's school, since the decision is theirs. Move any government appointment for Sept 28–29 to later in the week. Banks are open if you need cash or a transfer. If you drive, check EXAT for which expressways are toll-free and until when, and check flood reports before you set out.

Source: Thai PBS (Cabinet announcement) · Verified Sep 28, 2026

Security

15[Updated September 30][Official][Important]

Floodwater health risks: 8 illnesses and injuries to watch for

What happened: Bangkok · Sep 30 · Thailand's Department of Medical Services (Ministry of Public Health) has warned of eight health risks linked to the floods: 1) respiratory infections such as colds, flu, COVID-19 and pneumonia; 2) stomach and gut infections such as diarrhea, food poisoning, dysentery and typhoid; 3) leptospirosis, spread through water contaminated by rat urine; 4) fungal foot infections ('water-bitten feet'), blisters and infected wounds; 5) pink eye (conjunctivitis); 6) dengue fever, as mosquitoes breed in standing water; 7) injuries: electric shock, drowning, cuts from hidden sharp objects, and snake or insect bites; 8) stress and anxiety caused by the floods.
Why it matters: Leptospirosis symptoms can start up to 2–3 weeks after contact with floodwater and are easy to mistake for flu, so people often don't connect them to the flood. Dengue risk rises after the water goes down, not just while it's high. Three people have already died from electric shocks in floodwater in the Bangkok area.
Who it affects: Anyone who wades through floodwater, lives in a flooded area, or is cleaning up after flooding, especially people with cuts, diabetes or weakened immune systems.
What you should do: Avoid wading if you can. If you must, wear rubber boots and cover any cuts, and wash your feet and legs with soap as soon as you get home. Eat freshly cooked food, drink bottled or boiled water, and wash your hands often. Switch off power at the main breaker before water reaches outlets, and don't touch electrical appliances with wet hands. Remove standing water around your home and use mosquito repellent. See a doctor quickly if, after contact with floodwater, you have a high fever, severe calf or muscle pain, red eyes, yellow skin or eyes, severe diarrhea, a swollen or infected wound, or trouble breathing. Tell the doctor you were in floodwater. Emergency medical services: 1669.

Source: The Standard (reporting the Department of Medical Services) · Verified Sep 30, 2026

16[Added September 28][Reported][Important]

Three people have died from electric shocks in floodwater

What happened: Bangkok · Sep 28 · Around 1:20am on Sept 27, in the flooded Java Bay Village on King Kaeo 19 Road (Bang Phli Yai, Samut Prakan), a crane lifting a submerged car hit an overhead power line in about 1.2 meters of water. The crane operator, 31, was electrocuted, and the homeowner, 40, was also killed when he rushed in to help him. Separately, early on Sept 26, a 58-year-old woman died after apparently being electrocuted in floodwater in the parking lot of the Khlong Chan Housing Complex (Bang Kapi). Police suspect an electrical leak. Nationally, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reports 174,803 families affected across 25 provinces plus Bangkok, and 8 deaths in other provinces (Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi and Saraburi).
Why it matters: In floods the danger isn't only deep water. Standing water plus live power in parking lots, sois and ground floors has killed people, including people helping with clean-up and car recovery.
Who it affects: Anyone in a flooded building or street, especially people moving belongings, recovering cars or cleaning up as water recedes.
What you should do: Switch off power at the main breaker before water reaches sockets, and don't turn it back on until an electrician has checked it. Don't touch electrical equipment while you're wet or standing in water. Stay well away from fallen or low lines and flooded transformers, and don't walk through water near them. Report dangers to the Metropolitan Electricity Authority on 1130. In an emergency, call 1669 (medical) or 191 (police).

Source: Thaiger · Verified Sep 28, 2026

17[Official]

US citizens: embassy alert

What happened: Bangkok · Sep 27 · The US Embassy issued a heavy rain and flooding alert on Sept 26.
Why it matters: Embassy alerts are where official help and evacuation information for foreign nationals appears if things get worse.
Who it affects: US citizens in Thailand. Other nationalities: check your own embassy's alerts.
What you should do: Americans who need help can call +1-202-501-4444 from abroad. If you're from another country, check your own embassy's alerts.

Source: U.S. Embassy Bangkok · Verified Sep 27, 2026

Visa & Immigration

18[Updated September 30][Analysis][Important]

Bangkok immigration centers are due to reopen Wednesday, Sept 30

What happened: Bangkok · Sep 30 · The Immigration Division 1 service centers in Bangkok, including the Chaeng Watthana Government Complex and the extension center at IT Square Laksi, were closed on September 28–29 under the Cabinet's special flood holidays. Those holidays have not been extended, so the centers are due to reopen on Wednesday, September 30. We have not seen a separate reopening announcement from the Immigration Bureau. Chaeng Watthana Road still had standing water near Soi 10 on Tuesday morning, and Chatuchak and Lak Si, where both offices are, are among the 15 districts where BMA schools remain closed.
Why it matters: Expect a backlog after two closed days, so queues may be longer than usual. Roads around the Government Complex may still be partly flooded. The closure announcement did not say whether visa extension deadlines or overstay fines will be adjusted, so don't assume a grace period.
Who it affects: Anyone whose visa, extension or permission to stay expires this week, and anyone with a 90-day report, re-entry permit or other appointment at Chaeng Watthana or IT Square Laksi.
What you should do: If your permission to stay is about to expire, go as early as you can. Don't wait for the water to go down. Take the MRT Pink Line to the Government Complex rather than driving a small car or motorbike on Chaeng Watthana Road. Consider doing 90-day reports online if you're eligible. If you're unsure, call the Immigration Bureau hotline, 1178, before you travel.

Source: Thaiger · Verified Sep 30, 2026

Life

19[Analysis]

Visiting Bangkok in the next few weeks? What to know before you decide

What happened: Bangkok · Sep 27 · Both airports are open and flights are operating, and much of central Bangkok is getting around by rail. Rain is easing, but showers are still expected through early October, and the rainy season normally runs until about mid-October.
Why it matters: The flooding isn't a reason to cancel automatically, but it does make plans less predictable. One thing people often miss: travel insurance usually doesn't cover disruption from an event that was already known when you bought the policy. A policy bought now may not cover this flood.
Who it affects: Anyone planning to fly in over the next few weeks, including for birthdays and events.
What you should do: If you already have insurance, check what it covers for weather disruption. Choose flexible or refundable bookings where you can. Plan indoor backups (malls, restaurants, spas) for rainy days, and book day trips on the day rather than in advance.

Source: Blackbook analysis, based on the TMD forecast and TAT travel advisory · Verified Sep 27, 2026

Thailand

20[Added September 30][Reported]

Cabinet approves ฿165 billion canal to divert floodwater around Bangkok

What happened: Bangkok · Sep 30 · On Tuesday, September 29, the Cabinet approved a canal project costing about ฿165 billion, announced by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. It is meant as a long-term fix for flooding in Bangkok and central Thailand. The existing Chai Nat–Pa Sak canal, which starts just upstream of the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat, would be widened to about four times its current size. That would send more northern floodwater east toward the Pa Sak River and then through the Raphiphat canal and Rangsit in Pathum Thani to the Gulf of Thailand, instead of down the Chao Phraya through Bangkok. The work is planned to take eight years. At the same meeting, the Cabinet approved more than ฿4 billion in immediate flood relief.
Why it matters: This does nothing for the current floods. It's an eight-year project, and no start date has been given. It is also aimed mainly at river floods from the north (like 2011). This month's flooding came from extreme rain falling on Bangkok itself, which a new canal upstream won't prevent.
Who it affects: Long-term residents and anyone thinking about where to live or buy in Bangkok and Pathum Thani over the coming decade.
What you should do: Nothing now. If you're choosing where to live, look at how an area handled this month's floods, not at future projects.

Source: The Nation · Verified Sep 30, 2026

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General information, not legal, immigration or medical advice. Rules change quickly, so check the official source before you act. Terms