Bangkok Steps Up Flood Defences With New Five-Point Plan
Bangkok’s Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announces a sweeping flood protection strategy, aiming to shield the capital from a repeat of the devastating 2011 floods.
Five Concrete Measures to Tackle Flood Threats
Governor Chadchart unveils five targeted actions to safeguard Bangkok as the rainy season approaches.
After inspecting the Chao Phraya River, Chadchart introduces a two-pronged approach: first, a thorough review of all flood barriers along the river, with increased monitoring of high-risk zones. Second, rapid-response rescue teams stand ready to assist residents in danger.
“We are working closely with the Royal Irrigation Department and the National Water Command Centre,” Chadchart says. Officials monitor the Chao Phraya’s water level around the clock.
Preparing for Heavy Rainfall
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) also rolls out three strategies to counter sudden downpours.
These include lowering water levels in city canals to make room for new rain, maintaining all drainage systems and pump stations, and ensuring staff and equipment are on 24-hour standby.
Yet, not all flood barriers are complete. Gaps remain along 80 kilometres of the Chao Phraya, Bangkok Noi, and Mahasawat canals, raising concerns about the city’s readiness.
Sandbags and Pumps: Emergency Measures in Place
As a precaution, the city’s Drainage and Sewerage Department has placed nearly 200,000 sandbags at vulnerable spots and public piers.
Temporary dikes and water pumps are installed and monitored by staff day and night. During a media tour, Chadchart personally demonstrates the new defences from Pin Klao Bridge Pier to Rajvoradit Pier and Rajinee School.
Learning from the 2011 Flood Disaster
The announcement comes just after Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Saram reassures the public that Bangkok will not face another disaster like 2011, when the city was submerged for weeks and losses hit 45 billion US dollars.
“We have learned from past mistakes. Coordination between agencies is much better now,” Chadchart insists. Four key agencies now work together: BMA, Royal Irrigation Department, National Water Command Centre, and the Office of the National Water Resources.
Will Bangkok’s Flood Plan Hold?
The coming weeks will test whether these new measures are enough. The Chao Phraya is already swollen with water from the north, and more heavy rain or tidal surges could push the system to its limits.
Governor Chadchart is determined not to let his term be marked by another major flood. Bangkok is on alert—and this time, the city appears better prepared.
