Bangkok roads flooded after overnight rain with more storms forecast

Heavy overnight rain left roads flooded across parts of Bangkok and Nakhon Pathom early on Tuesday (October 6), slowing traffic and forcing motorists to take extra care or avoid several affected routes.

Bang Kapi, Ramkhamhaeng, Lat Krabang and Min Buri were among the Bangkok areas reporting standing water, while flooding was also reported on a Rangsit-bound route and at several locations in Nakhon Pathom.

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecast thunderstorms across 70% of Bangkok and surrounding provinces, with isolated heavy rain and gusty winds. More rain is forecast for October 9–13, raising the risk of further flooding.

Bangkok flood and traffic update

Conditions reported during the morning included:

• Bang Kapi, 6am: Floodwater at Bang Kapi intersection was about 5–10 centimetres deep following heavy overnight rain and rising water levels in Saen Saep Canal. Motorists were advised to proceed with caution.
• Ramkhamhaeng Road, 6.05am: The inbound carriageway outside Ramkhamhaeng University had about 5–10cm of standing water. Small vehicles could still pass, although drivers were advised to take extra care.

• Lat Krabang Road, 6.20am: Floodwater remained on both sides of the road outside Lat Krabang Hospital. Small vehicles could still pass, although traffic had begun to slow.
• Lat Krabang Inland Container Depot, 6.33am: Rain continued in the area, although floodwater had receded and vehicles were able to travel normally.
• Min Buri and Suwinthawong Road, 7am: Min Buri Police Station reported deep flooding at the U-turn beneath the bridge in front of Lotus on Suwinthawong Road, preventing vehicles from using it. On the inbound side before the flyover at Min Buri intersection, water reached kerb level across the two left-hand lanes, forcing traffic into the two right-hand lanes. On the outbound side near Phanitchayakan junction, water had risen above the kerb, and both small and large vehicles were advised to use the right-hand lane.
• Rangsit-bound route, 8am: Flooding was reported near the National Memorial and Thupatemi on the route towards Rangsit.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Department of Drainage and Sewerage also reported standing water on five main road sections:

• Si Ayutthaya Road outside Suan Pakkad Palace in Ratchathewi district
• Banthat Thong Road at Phet Phra Ram intersection in Ratchathewi district
• Phaya Thai Road outside the Department of Livestock Development in Phaya Thai district
• Pracha Suk Road near Inthamara Soi 34 in Din Daeng district
• Si Ayutthaya Road outside Si Ayutthaya School in Ratchathewi district

Nakhon Pathom reports widespread waterlogging

Nakhon Pathom Municipality issued a morning update on conditions between 5am and 6am, identifying several areas where motorists were advised to exercise caution.

• Phet Kasem Road outside Lotus: Flooding affected the Bangkok-bound frontage road, and small vehicles were advised to avoid the route.
• Rachinee Burana School intersection: Water on Khwa Phra Road reached kerb level but had begun to recede. Small vehicles could pass with caution.
• Wat Yai intersection: Floodwater reached kerb level along the section towards the Phon Prasert shop, particularly along the wall of Phra Pathom Chedi.
• Wat Klang: Water reached kerb level before the bend approaching the temple.
• Soi 7 floodgate: Water reached the kerb and had overflowed beyond the floodgate area.
• Phra Pathom Chedi: A small amount of water had overflowed in front of the landmark and was awaiting drainage.
• Whale Hotel junction and Ratchawithi Road: Standing water remained, although small vehicles could pass with caution.

Municipal authorities were also closely monitoring Khlong Chedi Bucha outside Wat Huai Chorakhe, where the water level was high and had reached bank level.

Conditions remained normal around the upper and lower market areas, while Lang Phra Road from the Phon Prasert shop to Mit Samphan intersection was dry and open to traffic.

Although water levels were falling at several locations as drainage operations continued, residents were warned that more heavy rain could develop later in the day. People in low-lying areas and near floodgates were advised to move belongings to higher ground and relocate vehicles to safer areas in advance.

Bangkok faces 70% chance of thunderstorms

The TMD forecast thunderstorms across 70% of Bangkok and surrounding provinces on Tuesday, with isolated heavy rain and gusty winds.

Temperatures were forecast to range from lows of 24–25C to highs of 33–35C, with variable winds of 10–20 kilometres per hour.

More broadly, unstable weather was forecast across the North, the Central region including Bangkok and surrounding provinces, the East and the upper South, bringing thunderstorms, gusty winds, hail and isolated heavy to very heavy rain. Lightning was also possible in some areas.

More heavy rain forecast from October 9–13

The TMD warned that rainfall was expected to increase from October 9–13 in the East, the Central region including Bangkok and surrounding provinces, and the South, with isolated heavy to very heavy rain.

At 7am on Tuesday, TMD radar showed that rainfall had generally eased compared with 6am, although the area covered by rain had expanded. Light to moderate rain was detected over Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Nakhon Pathom and Samut Sakhon.

Most rain cells were moving southwest, across western and southern parts of Bangkok and onwards towards Samut Sakhon.

By 8am, the Bangkok Flood Prevention Centre detected light rain over Bang Kapi, Pathum Wan and Sathon districts, moving south. Motorists were advised to monitor conditions and allow additional travel time.