Bangkok shoppers stock up as flooding empties convenience-store shelves

Heavy rain and widespread flooding across Bangkok have prompted residents to stock up on food and essential goods, leaving shelves empty at some convenience stores and neighbourhood shops amid concerns over travel disruption and possible shortages.

Thansettakij surveyed shopping conditions in Bangkok after continuous rain from the early hours of Friday (September 25) lasted for more than 30 hours, causing flooding in several areas awaiting drainage.

The situation intensified after the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) declared all 50 districts disaster-affected areas.

Shoppers clear shelves at 7-Eleven stores

Large numbers of customers were seen buying ready-to-eat meals, fresh and dried food, drinks, including fresh milk, yoghurt drinks and soft drinks, as well as bread and snacks at 7-Eleven stores.

Some shelves were emptied, leaving customers arriving later in the morning unable to find certain products.

An employee at one 7-Eleven branch said on Saturday (September 26) that customer numbers had risen sharply since Friday evening, forcing the store to order additional supplies.

Despite continuing rain on Saturday morning, shoppers continued arriving in large numbers, leaving some products temporarily unavailable while the branch waited for further deliveries scheduled for the afternoon and evening.

“Most people are buying ready-to-eat food, instant food, drinks, eggs and rice,” the employee said.

“One reason is probably that people are worried about flooding and that they may not have enough food.”

All 50 Bangkok districts declared disaster-affected areas

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, in his capacity as director of the Bangkok disaster prevention and mitigation command, signed an order expanding the designated disaster-affected area from Nong Chok, Suan Luang and Khan Na Yao districts to cover all 50 districts of the capital.

The declaration took effect from September 25.

The move followed persistent heavy rain that caused flooding, severe traffic congestion and disruption to daily life, while also posing risks to public safety and property.

Extending the designation across Bangkok enables government agencies and local authorities to provide assistance, manage the emergency and coordinate their response under the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act BE 2550 (2007).

Commerce Ministry orders retailers to replenish supplies

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has meanwhile instructed relevant agencies and provincial commerce offices nationwide to closely monitor both the availability and prices of essential consumer goods.

The ministry is coordinating with wholesalers and retailers to accelerate deliveries and replenish stocks in affected areas to prevent shortages.

Officials have also been told to closely monitor transport problems in disaster-hit locations that could disrupt distribution.

Consumers who encounter excessive pricing, hoarding or failure to display prices can report the issue to the Department of Internal Trade hotline on 1569 or contact their provincial commerce office for investigation and possible legal action.

Source: Thansettakij
 

For those who wish to help our fellow citizens suffering and affected by the floods, you can make a donation through the following accounts:

Nation Foundation

Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri): Account No. 333-0-01399-6

Kasikorn Bank: Account No. 192-3-59782-0

"We will get through this crisis together."