Flooding At Industrial Estates Poses No Economic Threat, Officials Say

The Minister of Industry disclosed the situation on September 28 at Government House, noting that water levels in the central areas of the industrial estates currently range from 20 to nearly 50 centimetres. The Industrial Estates Authority of Thailand (IEAT) and relevant agencies are using large-scale pumping equipment to rapidly drain water, particularly from the Ladkrabang and Bangchan estates, where they are taking advantage of the falling sea level to accelerate drainage operations.

The minister emphasized that the current situation differs markedly from the 2011 major flooding event, which was caused by a mass of water flowing down from the northern region. Since 2011, all industrial estates have constructed water barriers around their perimeters. The recent flooding over the past 4–5 days resulted from a low-pressure depression that remained stationary over Bangkok, causing heavy rain to accumulate directly within the industrial estate areas.

According to preliminary reports, no significant economic damage or harm to major industrial facilities has been identified, although some water has entered certain factory areas without reaching critical infrastructure. The IEAT has prepared sandbags and protective measures for each facility. Officials are also conscious of the impact of water pumping on surrounding communities, which are also suffering from the heavy rainfall. The minister instructed the IEAT to closely monitor and care for neighbouring communities, noting that while some high-tech parks require water level protection, the authority stands ready to provide relief if pumping operations cause hardship to residents.

The minister cautioned against complacency while wet weather persists, as higher sea temperatures increase evaporation and cloud formation. Recent cloud clusters are moving northward and are forecast to exit Thailand within 1–2 days, a sign that rainfall may begin to ease.