Bangkok declared disaster zone after more than 30cm of rain in 48 hours

Bangkok has been declared a disaster zone after parts of the Thai capital saw more than 30cm (12 inches) of rain in 48 hours, causing flooding across much of the city.

Torrential rain, which began falling on Thursday, is forecast to continue until Sunday, Thailand's Meteorological Department warned.

Central and eastern areas of the city were hit especially hard, as floodwater blocked roads and stopped traffic.

All 50 districts were declared a flood disaster by city authorities, even though some parts were not submerged, to allow authorities to respond as quickly as possible.

Nationally, more than 84,000 people in 21 provinces were affected by flooding by Saturday, especially in the central region.

Emergency warning messages were sent through mobile phones and smart watches, officials said.

Many businesses in Bangkok closed on Saturday as cars crawled along waterlogged roads and bikers were forced to push their motorcycles.

Pictures showed partially submerged vehicles, and people, some barefoot, making their way through knee and waist-height murky waters, carrying fresh water and food.

Supermarkets were ‌crowded with people stocking up on supplies.

The city's main airport, Suvarnabhumi, was operating normally, air traffic control authorities said, though the tourism authority advised travellers to allow an extra two ⁠to three hours in their plans.

Air traffic control authorities confirmed flight operations were normal but some flights might face delays.

Some bus services from Bangkok to the eastern provinces were suspended.

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Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt warned the crisis "poses a risk ​to people's lives" and could damage public and ⁠private property.

Anyone living close to a canal, where the situation was most severe, according to Mr Chadchart, was advised to move their possessions ​to higher ground.

The Thai army has set up field kitchens, along with more than 200 shelters across the city and about 900 people have moved in, Mr Chadchart said, adding that the city is working to drain floodwaters as quickly as possible.

Schools have been designated as temporary accommodation while residents have been asked to avoid unnecessary travel.

Sansuk ⁠Laowatcharakul, 19, said: "I'm worried because I haven't stocked up on food beforehand, and I've never faced this kind of situation alone before, since my parents aren't with me."

Hwang Hwan-chung, who flew from South Korea and has visited Bangkok a dozen times, said he had never seen such "crazy" weather, adding that he couldn't find a taxi.

Thailand ​experienced its worst floods in decades in November when at ​least 145 people died and thousands of homes were damaged in the southern provinces.

(c) Sky News 2026: Bangkok declared disaster zone after more than 30cm of rain in 48 hours