Bangkok Rains Ease as Drainage Accelerates to Gulf
Rainfall has eased across Thailand as drainage accelerates, with Bangkok's flooded eastern areas expected to clear within 2-3 days if conditions remain dry, though six roads remain impassable and downstream provinces face controlled water r
At 9:30 a.m. on September 28, government spokesperson Ekkaphop Phirapitseua announced at Government House that the Joint Information Centre on Flood Situation had reported decreased rainfall on both the eastern and western coasts. Light rain fell in the northern provinces of Kamphaeng Phet, Chiang Mai, and Tak, but above the dams it poses no threat to water levels and can be absorbed without additional drainage increases affecting Bangkok.
The Royal Irrigation Department has installed extra pumping stations in Samut Prakan to drain water into the Gulf of Thailand more rapidly. With no new rain groups forming over Bangkok, drainage has improved significantly. Flooded areas on Bangkok's eastern side are expected to drain within 2-3 days if no fresh rainfall occurs. Six roads remain impassable to small vehicles: Ramkhamhaeng Road at sois 23 and 24, Nawamin Road 26 at Bang Kapi intersection, Happy Land Road, Srinakarin Road at Lamsali intersection, Ladprao Road from soi 101 to Happy Land and Bang Kapi intersections, and Sriburapa Road.
For the western region, water will be released from Srinagarind and Wachiralongkorn dams over 2-3 days into the Mae Klong River. Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Samut Songkhram provinces face water level rises of about 1 metre starting today, and riverside residents are asked to move possessions to higher ground. Concerns about water seeping from mines were investigated by provincial industry and pollution control officials, who found erosion and cracking but no active mining, with the old mine pit 4 kilometres away. Water samples have been taken for contamination testing.
Prachuap Khiri Khan is holding back water before release. The eastern region requires continued monitoring in Prachuap Khiri Khan's Kabinburi District, where downstream flow toward Muang Prachuap Khiri Khan has prompted provincial warnings. Rayong remains alert to spillway overflow at the Prasae reservoir in Kaeng District; rumours of dam failure are false—spillway damage was already repaired by the irrigation authority. Prachuap Khiri Khan, Rayong, and Sa Kaeo provinces remain concerning. Vulnerable groups and patients should evacuate immediately but remain cautious and not rush home prematurely.
Spokesperson Ekkaphop stated that the Cabinet will discuss long-term prevention plans and budgets for relief and rehabilitation across affected areas, with 2,000 million baht allocated. Compensation payment details are being finalised between Bangkok and the Budget Bureau to meet uniform standards and help people quickly. Deputy spokesperson Lalida Periwat noted that Thai Airways faces significant baggage delays because staff are sheltering near Suvarnabhumi Airport.
