Bangkok declares citywide disaster as full canals slow drainage

SharpPost Editorial Team | News Explained | September 26, 2026

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt signed a declaration on September 26 extending the disaster area from three districts to all 50, with effect from September 25. It allows agencies to respond across the capital under disaster-management rules and emergency plans. The designation does not establish whether, or how severely, each district is flooded.

Somkid Pheuk-ngam, a 67-year-old vendor living near a canal just north of central Bangkok, told AFP she had kept her shop closed for two days and was finding it harder to leave home. “It’s like my waist level now,” she said of the water.

Full canals slow drainage

In a Thai PBS report published at 1:42 p.m. on September 26, Chadchart said full canals were slowing the removal of water from urban areas. He estimated that draining flooded areas east of the Chao Phraya River would still take two to three days if the rain stopped. Further rainfall would add to that burden.

The report identified at least 13 flooded road locations where small cars could no longer pass, including sections of Ekkamai, Vibhavadi Rangsit and Ramkhamhaeng roads.

Thai PBS’s morning coverage described flooded homes and damaged belongings along On Nut Road and the Prawet Burirom canal. Ramkhamhaeng University switched to online classes for the day.

Moving patients and preparing shelters

At an early-morning flood-response meeting on September 26, the city instructed district offices and public-health agencies to identify bedridden patients and distinguish between those needing medical equipment, referral for treatment or care at temporary shelters. City-run schools were to be the first choice for shelters, with drinking water, food and sanitation facilities provided.

By the afternoon, Thai PBS quoted the governor as saying that 36 bedridden patients were being moved out of flooded areas.

District offices were also instructed to arrange transport, remove broken-down vehicles blocking roads and advise residents to retain evidence of losses, including photographs taken before and after flooding. Applications for assistance still require supporting material under the relevant eligibility conditions.

Further rain forecast through September 27

The Thai Meteorological Department’s warning No. 11, effective at 11 a.m. on September 26, forecast continuing rain through September 27 in central Thailand, including Bangkok and surrounding areas, and the east, with isolated heavy to very heavy falls. Rainfall was expected to decrease afterward, although isolated heavy rain remained possible in western parts of the north and in the central region.

The department urged people near waterways, at the foot of hills and in low-lying areas to guard against flash floods, overflowing rivers and landslides.

Bangkok residents can seek assistance from district offices or the 1555 city hotline. For medical emergencies, call 1669. Flood and weather information in this report is current to 3:55 p.m. on September 26, 2026, Thailand time. Residents should check subsequent local announcements for road conditions and shelter arrangements.