Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt declared all 50 districts disaster areas following heavy rainfall that submerged roadways and stranded motorists on overpasses, prompting city officials to close public schools and urge civil servants to work from home. The severe flooding has disrupted daily routines across the capital and forced major transport providers, including Thai Airways International, to adjust operations for affected passengers.
Bangkok School Closures and Work From Home Directives
City Hall ordered public schools in Bangkok to close on Monday to ease travel difficulties caused by deep floodwaters on major roads. Alongside the school closures, governor Chadchart Sittipunt urged civil servants to work from home on Monday and Tuesday if they have no essential duties requiring an in-office presence.
Drainage Timelines and Disaster Declarations
Governor Chadchart announced the disaster declaration for all 50 districts on Saturday afternoon as floodwaters continued to impact neighborhoods and major intersections, such as the Ratchada-Lat Phrao overpass where motorists abandoned cars. Municipal officials estimate that if the rain stops completely, it will take two to three days to fully drain the accumulated floodwater from the city’s drainage systems.
https://x.com/ThaiAirways/status/2103800601486540851
Did you know? Bangkok spans 50 distinct districts, all of which were placed under disaster declarations simultaneously due to the widespread severity of the weekend rainfall.
Airline Policy Changes for Flooded Regions
Thai Airways International announced flexible rebooking rules for travelers affected by the severe weather. Passengers holding tickets originally scheduled to depart from Bangkok between Saturday and Tuesday are permitted one travel date change with the change fee waived. The airline stated that the new journey must follow the same routing and travel class, and must be completed by Tuesday. Passengers facing flight cancellations are eligible for a full refund, while any changes outside the specified emergency conditions remain subject to standard ticket terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are all Bangkok schools closed?
- Bangkok public schools are closed on Monday to reduce travel congestion during the flooding.
- How long will it take to drain the floodwaters?
- According to governor Chadchart Sittipunt, drainage is expected to take two to three days once the rain stops.
- What is the Thai Airways policy for affected passengers?
- Thai Airways is allowing one free date change for flights departing Bangkok between Saturday and Tuesday, provided travel is completed by Tuesday, and offers full refunds for cancelled flights.
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