Bangkok faces widespread road flooding after prolonged rainfall
Bangkok faced widespread road flooding and heavy traffic on September 25 after prolonged rain, with the highest 24-hour rainfall total reaching 105.5mm.
- Prolonged heavy rainfall has caused widespread road flooding and severe traffic disruption across many parts of Bangkok and neighbouring provinces.
- Numerous major routes, including Vibhavadi Rangsit, Ngam Wong Wan, and Chaeng Watthana, were significantly affected by high water levels, leading to major congestion.
- The Thai Meteorological Department attributed the downpour to a strong low-pressure system, with rainfall accumulation reaching over 105 millimetres in some areas.
- Authorities advised motorists to avoid the worst-affected roads, while residents in low-lying areas were urged to monitor rising water levels and take precautions.
Bangkok faced widespread flooding and severe traffic disruption on Friday (September 25) after hours of persistent rainfall left water accumulating on roads across many parts of the capital.
Flooding affected major routes on both the Phra Nakhon and Thon Buri sides of Bangkok, while problems were also reported in neighbouring Nonthaburi and parts of the wider metropolitan area.
Rainfall data from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) showed that the highest 24-hour accumulation had reached 105.5 millimetres in Khlong Sam Wa district by 10am.
By 11am, rain continued across a wide area including Bang Khun Thian, Bang Bon, Chom Thong, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok Noi, Phra Khanong, Bang Na, Khlong Toei, Huai Khwang, Lat Krabang, Chatuchak and Taling Chan. Rainfall accumulation in Sai Mai reached 92.5mm.
Persistent rain raises flood risk
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) warned that a strong low-pressure area that had moved from the eastern region was covering the lower Northeast and the Central region, including Bangkok and surrounding provinces.
The system was interacting with the monsoon trough across upper Thailand, while the southwesterly monsoon over the Andaman Sea, the South and the Gulf of Thailand had strengthened.
These conditions brought heavy to very heavy rain to several regions, with persistent rainfall over Bangkok increasing the risk of water accumulation and urban flooding.
Major roads hit by flooding and congestion
Flooding and heavy traffic were reported across several major routes during the morning:
- 8.55am — Vibhavadi Rangsit Road: Water accumulated near Lak Si railway station, slowing traffic and causing long queues.
- 8.56am — Ngam Wong Wan Road: High water was reported between The Mall Ngamwongwan and Pantip Ngamwongwan in Nonthaburi, with traffic moving slowly or coming to a standstill.
- 8.57am — Chaeng Watthana Road: Flooding near the expressway exit towards Pak Kret caused severe congestion. Inbound traffic towards Lak Si was also heavily backed up.
- 9am — Phahonyothin Road: Flooding affected the inbound parallel lanes in Wang Noi district, Ayutthaya, making travel difficult for smaller vehicles.
- 9.04am — Ram Inthra Road: Heavy rain caused severe congestion on the route towards Lak Si.
- 9.30am — Chaeng Watthana and Khae Rai: Flooding was reported beyond the Udon Ratthaya Expressway towards Khlong Prapa Road. Traffic was also heavily congested around Khae Rai intersection and Tiwanon Road near the Central Chest Institute of Thailand.
- 10.06am — Muang Thong Thani: Flooding affected Chaeng Watthana Road, Bond Street and Khlong Prapa Road, making travel difficult for smaller vehicles. Motorists were advised to use expressway entrances at Muang Thong Thani or Si Saman where appropriate.
- 10.30am — Debaratna Road (Bang Na–Trat): Water accumulated on outbound parallel lanes from Bang Na intersection, requiring motorists to drive with extra caution.
Sai Mai and Bang Khen among areas badly affected
Flooding was reported in Sai Mai, Bang Khen and nearby areas of Nonthaburi after prolonged rain. In Sai Mai, water reached about 20–30cm in parts of Soi 43 and Soi 80, while officials operated pumps and monitored rising water in Khlong 6.
The Bang Khen District Office also warned motorists to avoid the U-turn beneath Bang Bua Bridge, where deep flooding made the route impassable for smaller vehicles. Flooding was also reported along Bang Kruai–Sai Noi Road in Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi.
Motorists urged to avoid flooded routes
Authorities advised motorists to check traffic conditions before travelling and avoid roads where flooding remained severe, particularly parts of Chaeng Watthana, Ngam Wong Wan and the Bang Bua Bridge area.
People travelling through Muang Thong Thani and Chaeng Watthana were advised to consider elevated expressway routes where possible instead of flooded surface roads.
Residents in low-lying areas and homes near canals were urged to monitor water levels closely and move belongings to higher ground if necessary.
Householders were also advised to cut power to any areas reached by floodwater to reduce the risk of electric shock.
