BANGKOK, Thailand – Bangkok is bracing for potential flooding with sandbags and additional pumps deployed as a warning from the Thai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) about a combination of extreme high tides and large water volumes from the north remains in effect until June 20, 2026. Communities outside the embankment line are particularly vulnerable.
DDPM warns of flood from sea and north
On June 16, Narong Ruangsri, the Deputy Governor of Bangkok, provided an update on the coordinated measures being taken. The DDPM warning not only impacts Bangkok but also extends to six other provinces in central Thailand.
The situation arises from the simultaneous increase in sea levels in the Gulf of Thailand and the inflow of water from the north. Authorities have stated that the critical phase for these events is scheduled to last from June 14 to June 20.
Protective walls reach up to 2.70 meters high
The BMA has initiated the reinforcement of embankment facilities along the Chao Phraya River, Khlong Bangkok Noi, and Khlong Mahasawat. Gaps and construction sites are being filled with sandbags to elevate the protective walls to heights of between +2.40 and +2.70 meters above sea level.
This effort aims to prevent rising river water from breaching into the inner areas of the city. The municipal government emphasized that work is proceeding under high pressure.
Additional pumps and tide-controlled sluice gates
At critical points, the city is installing supplementary water pumps. Concurrently, the sluice gates are being operated to open during low tide and close during high tide, facilitating the drainage of water into the Gulf of Thailand.
Coordination with the Royal Irrigation Department and the Hydrographic Department of the Royal Thai Navy ensures real-time monitoring of water levels and tidal patterns.
Eleven communities in six districts particularly at risk
A total of eleven communities are situated outside the protective embankment line. These communities are located within the Dusit, Phra Nakhon, Bang Kho Laem, Yan Nawa, Bangkok Noi, and Khlong San districts, making them directly exposed to potential flooding.
The BMA has dispatched personnel to these risk areas. Intensive monitoring is being conducted, especially in the low-lying sections near the river, during the daily high tide peaks.
Citizens urged to secure belongings in time
Authorities are advising residents and business owners along the riverbanks to prepare for possible inundations. Valuables and mobile possessions should be moved to higher floors or areas.
The city administration stresses that all necessary precautions are being implemented to minimize potential damage. These measures include raising protective walls, deploying additional pumping equipment, and adjusting sluice gate operations according to tidal cycles.