Flooding leaves 155 Bangkok schools closed pending damage survey
155 Bangkok schools remain closed because of flooding this week, with the Education Ministry planning damage surveys after waters recede.
- Flooding has forced the closure of 155 schools across Bangkok.
- The affected schools will remain shut for at least the rest of the week due to being waterlogged.
- A damage survey will be conducted once the floodwaters recede to secure financial support for repairs.
- Some of the closed school premises are being used as temporary shelters for local residents.
Education Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong confirmed on Tuesday (September 29) that flood-hit schools will be unable to resume classes this week, with 155 schools in Bangkok affected as standing water continues to disrupt educational facilities.
Prasert explained that the Education Ministry had earlier introduced five measures to support flood-affected schools and authorised individual schools to suspend classes where necessary. Numerous schools across Bangkok and surrounding provinces remain waterlogged.
The ministry has also ordered surveys of the damage so it can seek financial support from the central budget. In Bangkok alone, 155 schools have been affected, with floodwater having remained for around four to five days and beginning to produce a foul smell.
Damage assessment to follow after waters recede
Some schools are also being used as shelters and parking areas for local residents. The ministry has instructed institutions under its supervision, including vocational education institutions and schools under the Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC), to set up kitchens and assist with clean-up operations once floodwaters recede.
They have also been asked to help provide maintenance and repair services for cars and motorcycles affected by the flooding.
Prasert confirmed that the affected schools would not be able to resume classes this week. The situation will have to be reassessed, while the financial extent of the damage can only be calculated after the water subsides.
