Schools Remain Closed as Flooding Persists in 155 Bangkok Facilities
Flooding has closed 155 Bangkok schools for at least another week, with stagnant water persisting for days and emitting foul odors as the Education Ministry coordinates damage assessments and relief efforts.
At 9:10 a.m. on September 29, Education Minister Prasert Chantharangthong held a press conference before the cabinet meeting to update on aid for flood-affected schools. The ministry has implemented five measures to support affected educational institutions and granted schools authority to decide on class suspensions, as many schools in Bangkok and surrounding areas remain flooded. The ministry has ordered damage assessments to request central budget support, with 155 schools in Bangkok affected by flooding that has persisted for approximately four to five days and begun to emit foul odors.
Schools are also serving as emergency shelters and public parking areas. The ministry has instructed educational institutions, particularly those under the vocational education and basic education commissions, to set up meal services and coordinate cleanup efforts once water recedes, while facilitating vehicle and motorcycle repairs. The ruling Pheu Thai Party has established coordination centers to provide relief and distributed aid packages to residents in Bangkok and surrounding areas.
Minister Prasert confirmed that ground inspections of approximately five Bangkok schools revealed water levels remain high, though the situation is somewhat favorable as some secondary schools have already ended their term, with only primary level classes needing makeup exams. When asked when schools could resume operations, he emphasized that classes cannot return this week and must await further situation assessment and damage evaluation once flooding subsides before exact timelines can be determined.
