Bangkok Homeowner Shares Flood Defense Strategy
A Bangkok homeowner successfully kept floodwaters out using removable barriers and a water pump, even as streets outside remained submerged, after preparations begun in late September when water levels started rising.
As heavy rains continue to inundate Bangkok faster than drainage systems can handle, many residents have been caught off guard as water pours into their homes and causes significant damage. However, one residence has managed to block floodwaters entirely, even though the street outside is severely flooded. Amarin TV reporters waded through the water to investigate and spoke with the homeowner, who shared footage demonstrating their flood-prevention approach using removable barriers installed before the water arrived, plus a water pump, with the owner noting that this year's flooding is still not as severe as it was in 2011.
The house features tall barriers positioned at the front entrance to prevent water entry, reinforced with sandbags. The homeowner explained they began preparations on September 26 after noticing water levels starting to rise, having commissioned a contractor to build custom removable barriers after finding that sandbags alone had only partial effectiveness. Once water began rising, they deployed the barriers, using a non-permanent system that can be lifted and removed, and operated a water pump to manage water that accumulated around the house but never entered the structure itself.
Comments flooded in with praise for the preparation, with observers noting the excellent planning, timely decision-making, and forward-thinking approach, suggesting the homeowner must anticipate regular flooding given how well they had prepared in advance.