BANGKOK, Thailand – Bangkok expects about 90% of its major roads to be dry and open to normal traffic within two days as flood conditions continue to improve. Water has receded along the Saen Saep Canal and several major roads, including Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, while Chin Khet Village, Soi Lat Phrao 80, and Min Buri are also seeing improvement. Lat Krabang and Sai Mai remain under close watch, while the low-lying Khlong Chan and Rom Klao-Lat Krabang could take about 7 days to drain.
Three major drainage tunnels at Makkasan Swamp, Bang Sue, and Phra Khanong are operating at a combined capacity of about 150 cubic meters per second, supported by water-propelling boats along the Saen Saep and Prawet Burirom canals. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt explained that the two-day and seven-day timeframes are operational targets rather than guaranteed deadlines, with actual recovery depending on local conditions. The Chao Phraya flow remains around 2,000 cubic meters per second, while the evening high tide is forecast at about 2 meters above mean sea level, below Bangkok’s nearly 3-meter flood barriers.
Relief teams are expanding deliveries to smaller communities and homes deep inside narrow alleys. District offices will prepare meals locally, with support from BMA schools where needed, while high-clearance vehicles, small boats, jet skis, and private-sector resources are used to deliver food, relief bags, infant formula, diapers, and other necessities. More than 300 cases involving bedridden patients have already been handled, with requests also tracked through the BMA’s 1555 hotline.
As the water recedes, Bangkok will begin large-scale cleanup to clear roads, damaged furniture, and bulky waste, with less-affected districts providing personnel and equipment through the Buddy system. Health teams will distribute medicine, mosquito repellent, and other hygiene supplies, while BMA schools, serving as evacuation shelters and central kitchens, may adjust classes and examinations according to local conditions. Relief operations will continue in smaller and harder-to-reach communities. (NNT)
