BANGKOK, THAILAND – Authorities issued an urgent flood warning for the capital and surrounding provinces as exceptionally high tides threatened low-lying areas between 18 and 22 January.
Disaster agency issues high-tide alert
Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) announced an official warning on Friday for seven provinces in central Thailand. Areas along the Chao Phraya River were considered most at risk, with Director-General Teerapat Khajamat highlighting a critical time window between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. on all five days. During these hours, water levels at sensitive locations such as the navy base and Phra Chulachomklao Fort could reach critical heights.
Central provinces and districts at highest risk
The agency listed specific danger zones in each province. In Pathum Thani, the Muang and Sam Khok districts were identified as vulnerable, while Nonthaburi faced possible flooding in Muang, Pak Kret and Bang Kruai. In Nakhon Pathom, the districts of Bang Len, Nakhon Chai Si and Sam Phran were placed on a red list, and Samut Sakhon was considered at risk in its entirety.
For Samut Songkhram (Muang district) and Samut Prakan (Muang, Phra Samut Chedi, Phra Pradaeng, Bang Bo), the DDPM urged the highest level of caution. Bangkok itself was also told to brace for potential flooding, especially in low-lying riverfront areas.
Preparedness measures along the river
Local administrations were instructed to inform residents in at-risk zones without delay. Businesses along the riverbanks, including construction sites and waterside restaurants, were to receive targeted warnings. Public disaster response teams and specialized equipment were being placed on standby to respond quickly if water levels overflowed embankments.
“People in low-lying areas outside the protective dikes must stay alert and monitor the situation closely.”
said the DDPM in its official directive.
Guidance for residents in threatened areas
The agency urged all residents in the named provinces to take the warnings seriously and to check water levels regularly. An important source of information was the official ‘THAI DISASTER ALERT’ app, where current updates and instructions were being published. In emergencies, help could be requested via the 24-hour hotline 1784 or through the Line account @1784DDPM.
Natural forces behind the surge risk
According to the DDPM, the projected spring tides were a natural but dangerous phenomenon. They occurred when the sun and moon aligned, increasing their combined gravitational pull on the seas and pushing water levels higher. Combined with other weather events or already elevated river levels, this could trigger flooding across the Bangkok metropolitan area, which in parts lay below sea level.
Solidarity and calm urged as key protection
Officials stressed that the warning was a preventive measure aimed at reducing property damage and protecting lives. Communities were asked to look out not only for themselves but also for vulnerable neighbours. Older people and those with limited mobility might require early assistance, and authorities emphasized that good preparation and calm, measured behaviour remained the best protection against the forces of nature.