Rayong business district flooded as Khlong Thap Ma overflows
Rayong city centre faces its worst flooding in 20 years after days of heavy rain overwhelmed Khlong Thap Ma and inundated key roads and communities.
- Rayong's central business district has experienced its most severe flooding in 20 years after several days of heavy rain caused the Khlong Thap Ma canal to overflow.
- Floodwater has inundated major roads, including Highway 36 and Sukhumvit Road, as well as shopping areas, communities, and housing estates.
- Residents and business owners have been forced to move their belongings to higher ground, while some vehicles have been left submerged in the floodwater.
- Municipal authorities estimate it will take around three days for the water to drain completely, with residents requesting assistance with food and drinking water.
Rayong’s central business district was hit by its worst flooding in 20 years on Tuesday (September 29), after three to four days of heavy rain sent accumulated runoff into downstream areas and overwhelmed Khlong Thap Ma.
Water spread through shopping and commercial areas as more runoff continued to flow into the canal, forcing residents and shopkeepers to move their belongings to higher ground.
Continuous rainfall in upper Mueang Rayong district and surrounding areas caused large volumes of water to converge on Khlong Thap Ma, which drains towards the sea. The amount of water exceeded the canal’s capacity, causing it to overflow into communities and housing estates along its banks, including Krung Thai Village.
Floodwater also covered major roads, including Highway 36 near Thap Ma intersection, before spreading further into central Rayong. High water affected areas from Rayong Hospital through the Sai 4 Shopping Centre junction on Sukhumvit Road.
Small vehicles were advised to avoid flooded routes, while several cars were left submerged.
At the Pi Phra Aphai Mani Roundabout on Adulthamprapas Road, near Guang Hua School, floodwater covered the entire road surface and poured out of side streets towards the city centre. Tha Pradu and Noen Phra subdistricts were also affected.
Residents, shopkeepers, offices and schools in surrounding areas moved belongings to higher ground as the water continued to spread.
Municipal authorities estimate that it will take about three days for the floodwater to drain completely. Residents have appealed to local agencies for food and drinking-water assistance as communities continue to cope with the severe flooding.
