Severe flooding across Bangkok has put the Thai government’s disaster response under intense scrutiny. Heavy rainfall since September 24 has inundated several areas of the capital, including Lat Krabang and Bang Kapi, leading to submerged roads, homes, and vehicles. In response, authorities have declared all 50 districts as disaster-affected areas, opened emergency shelters, and deployed personnel and equipment to aid affected communities.
Critics have raised concerns about the timing of emergency warnings, questioning whether residents were given enough time to secure belongings and vehicles before floodwaters rose. Despite these criticisms, the government has mobilized military personnel and emergency vehicles, coordinating transport assistance across road, rail, water, and air services. Efforts to manage the crisis include ongoing drainage and pumping operations aimed at reducing water levels in affected zones.
The floods coincide with declining political support for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Bhumjaithai Party. A NIDA Poll conducted from September 18 to 23, before the most severe flooding began, shows a drop in support, with only 13.76% of respondents favoring Anutin as their preferred prime minister, down from 21.68% in the previous quarter. Similarly, support for the Bhumjaithai Party fell from 17% to 12.08%.
While the poll does not reflect public opinion on the government’s flood response due to its timing, future surveys may shed light on the political impact of the crisis. For now, the focus remains on immediate relief operations, effective communication of public warnings, and support for flood-stricken communities across Bangkok.