Severe flooding across Bangkok has brought the Thai government’s disaster response under intense scrutiny. Residents and experts have raised concerns about the preparedness, the effectiveness of warning systems, and the management of increasingly heavy rainfall. Since September 24, heavy rain has inundated several parts of the capital, including Lat Krabang and Bang Kapi, submerging roads, homes, and vehicles. In response, authorities have opened emergency shelters and deployed personnel and equipment to support affected communities, declaring all 50 districts of Bangkok as disaster-affected areas.
Critics have questioned the timeliness of emergency warnings, suggesting that some residents had insufficient time to move belongings and vehicles to safer locations before the floodwaters rose. In dealing with the aftermath, the government has mobilized military personnel and emergency vehicles, while transport authorities have coordinated assistance across road, rail, water, and air services. Drainage and pumping operations are ongoing as authorities work to reduce water levels in the affected areas.
This flooding event coincides with a decline in political support for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Bhumjaithai Party, according to the latest NIDA Poll. Conducted before the severe flooding from September 18 to 23, the survey of 2,500 adults indicated that only 13.76% preferred Anutin as their prime minister, a decrease from 21.68% in the previous quarter. Support for the Bhumjaithai Party also fell to 12.08% from 17% in the previous quarter.
While the poll predates the most severe flooding, its timing is significant as it means any changes in public opinion regarding the government’s flood response will only be reflected in future surveys. For now, the government’s focus remains on relief operations, drainage, public warnings, and community support in the wake of the disaster.