Bangkok Flooding

Floodwater has arrived at the Lat Phrao intersection, inundating Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in front of the Energy Building complex that houses the Flood Relief Operations Centre (Froc). The government insists it will not move Froc HQ to a flood-free province. 

The 6km long Big Bag barrier on Rangsit Muang Ek Road is expected to be completed today. Transport Minister Sukampol Suwannathat says the project will help slow floodwater to Don Muang, Lak Si and Bang Khen districts. 

This housing estate has become overgrown with water hyacinths, while uncollected rubbish also poses a serious problem in flooded areas. Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra has ordered 60 modified garbage trucks and boats to collect floating waste for 24 hours a day over the next three days

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has ordered residents of the Chatuchak sub-districts of Lat Yao, Sena Nikhom, Chatuchak and Chankasem to evacuate, due to rising floodwater. It also issued a warning for people in Nong Khaem sub-district to prepare for possible flooding. 

Bangkok's subway system is still operating, even though floodwater has reached Ratchadapisek Road in front of Phahon Yothin, Lat Phrao, and Ratchadapisek stations. The MRT has installed flood barriers and closed some entrances in risk zones.

Airports of Thailand (AoT) is certain that 3.5m flood walls will prevent Suvarnabhumi airport from flooding. AoT is keeping a close watch on the barrier in case local residents try to destroy it to reduce the water level in their communities. 

Tourism officials have suggested that flood hit Bangkokians seeking accommodation outside the capital should try homestays, mainly in six eastern provinces, as a cheaper alternative to hotels. 

Pheu Thai MPs will suggest that the government postpone its populist policies and allocate the budget for flood restoration instead. 

Lat Krabang industrial estate is surrounded by floodwater. The Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand says the estate has strengthened its flood barrier up to 2.5m. 

Police have closed 47 roads to traffic because of the flooding in Bangkok, while 556 commercial bank branches in the city have also been closed.