Flood waters to affect Bangkok's north tomorrow

However, he asked Bangkokians not to panic, as this will not increase the at-risk areas from the seven districts announced yesterday.

Bangkok has told seven districts in the Thai capital to be on alert for the approaching northern flood run-off, and advised residents of Sai Mai, Klong Samwa, Bang Khen, Nong Chok, Min Buri, Lat Krabang, Kannayao districts to move their valuable possessions to upper floors.

The governor also asked the government to help save other vulnerable areas located outside his authority, saying Bangkok is working to pump water from the overflowing Klong Prapa, which caused flooding on some roads in the Chang Wattana, Ngamwongwan and Prachachuen areas early Thursday. The floodwater in Klong Prapa arrived from Pathum Thani.

The Klong Prapa overflow has now receded and Justice Minister Pracha Promnok, who directs the flood relief operation centre, said the water situation in the canal was under control.

Meanwhile, ACM Sumet Photimanee, chairman of Airports of Thailand (AoT), on Thursday expressed confidence that Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports were well-prepared to prevent floodwater from intruding into their respective compounds.

Currently, Suvarnabhumi Airport has a 3.5 metre-high flood prevention wall but the chairman explained that he was still worried about areas north of Don Mueang Airport that may yet be subject to larger amounts of northern run-off.

To brace for the possibility of full-scale flooding, Don Mueang Airport authorities built an additional temporary embankment with some 10,000 sandbags.

For Suvarnabhumi Airport, AoT has prepared a contingency plan to cope with the possible flood situation. The plan is ready to put into effect if and when the situation warrants. Airlines and business operators as well as related agencies have been notified about the plan, including an option to move facilities and aircraft to operate at Chon Buri’s U-Tapao Airport and other airports.