Floods Estimated to Cost Economy Over 200 Billion Baht
Flooding across Bangkok and 26 Thai provinces is estimated to cost the economy over 200 billion baht, with potential GDP reduction of 0.1%, according to the Thai Chamber of Commerce assessment of September 2025 floods. Bangkok suffered the
The Thai Chamber of Commerce has assessed that flooding poses economic damage of over 200 billion baht and could reduce GDP by 0.1%. On September 28, 2025, Thanavorn Polvichhai, rector and advisor to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce's Center for Economic and Business Forecasting, presented findings on the economic impact of flooding between September 25-29, 2025, covering Bangkok and 26 provinces in the Central, Eastern, Northern, and Northeastern regions.
The assessment found that economic damage in the base case scenario is estimated at approximately 12,283 million baht, or about 0.066% of GDP. In the mildest case, damage is projected at 5,896 million baht (0.03% of GDP), while the most severe scenario estimates 20,635 million baht (0.11% of GDP). The actual figures depend on the flood extent and the economy's ability to recover disrupted activities. These calculations exclude property damage to homes, vehicles, and inventory, as well as agricultural losses, which will be assessed after waters recede.
The assessment covered 27 areas: Bangkok and 26 provinces including 4 in the metropolitan region, 6 in the Central region, 8 in the Eastern region, 4 in the Northern region, and 4 in the Northeastern region. Bangkok declared disaster zones across all 50 districts, while Samut Prakan declared disaster areas in all 6 districts. The Cabinet approved September 28-29 as special holidays in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, and Samut Prakan.
Bangkok suffered the highest damage at approximately 7,014 million baht, representing 57% of total losses or 0.11% of Bangkok's own GDP. This is due to Bangkok being the nation's largest economic center, with trade and services sectors heavily dependent on consumer and worker travel. The Eastern region experienced the second-highest damage at around 2,976 million baht, with Chon Buri hardest hit at 2,101 million baht, owing to early flooding, nearly one meter of water accumulation in Pattaya, and dependence on tourism, retail, and port logistics. Other industrial zones in the Special Economic Zone experienced less impact as flooding was localized with no reported factory shutdowns. The metropolitan region and other regions experienced relatively limited economic disruption during the five-day period.
Consumption, tourism, and urban services sectors are the primary transmission channels for economic impact, as flooding restricted consumer movement and disrupted transportation networks.
