Bangkok is on flood watch as Governor Chadchart Sittipunt ordered immediate preparations for heavy rainfall expected across the city today, 12 August. The warning is strongest for northern and northeastern districts — think Don Mueang, Lak Si, Bang Khen, Sai Mai and Khlong Sam Wa — where forecasts show the potential for sharp downpours. With the Bangkok Flood Prevention Control Centre in Din Daeng buzzing with activity, and the Drainage and Sewerage Department closely monitoring the situation, officials are reminding residents: be ready, because the sky might well decide to open up.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has flagged heavy to very heavy showers, with intense bursts that could reach about 50 millimetres per hour in hotspots. The TMD specifically names Nong Chok, Lat Krabang, Min Buri, Khlong Sam Wa, Sai Mai, Bang Khen, Don Mueang and Lak Si as likely to see the most torrential rain, while Thon Buri is expected to remain comparatively dry. One important caveat officials keep repeating: timing remains uncertain. You might see blue skies at breakfast and a sudden, drumming downpour by lunchtime.
Governor Chadchart visited the Din Daeng centre early this morning and directed immediate readiness for the most vulnerable junctions — including Don Mueang near Chang Akat Uthit and the area around Bang Khen Roundabout. The message was pragmatic: weather models aren’t perfect, so preparation beats surprise. The city’s pumps, sandbags and drainage crews are being readied, and community-level alerts are being stepped up so people can move proactively rather than react defensively.
A broader national picture adds to the urgency. TMD has issued a heavy rain alert covering 44 provinces, with the northeast expected to experience intense downpours across roughly 70% of its area. Over the next 24 hours, heavy rain is forecast for northern, northeastern and eastern Thailand, as well as the western coast of southern provinces. Officials warn of flash floods and forest runoff — especially in hilly terrain near waterways and in low-lying zones — and are watching the progress of Typhoon Podul, which could influence rainfall patterns.
For context, accumulated rainfall from May to July 2025 was higher than the previous three years, although totals eased off somewhat later in the period. Historically, Bangkok’s wettest stretch runs from August to October, so the city is entering its peak season for heavy rain. As KhaoSod and other outlets have noted, this year’s elevated early-season totals mean extra vigilance is warranted.
If you live, work or travel in Bangkok today, here’s a practical checklist to make the day less stressful and safer:
- Watch the forecasts: Follow TMD updates and local BMA channels for real-time warnings and precise district advisories.
- Protect your property: Move valuables and electronics off the floor if you’re in a low-lying unit. Clear small drains and gutters outside your building.
- Prepare for travel: Avoid planning trips through known flood hotspots. If driving, never attempt to cross water-covered roads — even shallow water can stall a car or hide dangerous potholes.
- Charge and connect: Keep phones charged and have power banks ready. Make sure you can receive community alerts and contact neighbours if needed.
- Stay informed about evacuation routes: Know the nearest shelters or higher ground in your district, especially in areas prone to flash floods or runoff from nearby hills.
For motorists: check tyre tread and brakes, avoid underpasses that quickly fill during heavy rain, and allow extra travel time. For businesses and building managers: test sump pumps, secure outdoor equipment, and coordinate quickly with local authorities if water levels begin to rise.
City officials stress this is not a time for panic but for preparedness. The Drainage and Sewerage Department’s teams are on alert to operate pumps and clear critical drains, while community volunteers and local governments stand by to help areas that may see sudden flooding. Because weather can change fast, the best defence is a quick household plan and attention to official channels.
As the clouds gather over Bangkok, imagine the city rehearsing for its annual heavy-rain season — crews at the ready, citizens checking drains and umbrellas at the door. Whether it’s a dramatic downpour in Don Mueang or a milder shower in Thon Buri, staying informed and prepared will keep you safer and less frazzled when the rain comes down hard. Keep an eye on TMD bulletins and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration updates, and treat today as a gentle reminder: when it comes to monsoon weather, a little foresight goes a long way.
Bangkok authorities are preparing for heavy rain today; pumps, sandbags and alerts are being readied for northern districts like Don Mueang and Lak Si. Officials stress preparation over panic and remind residents to follow TMD and BMA updates. Stay safe and check evacuation routes if you live in low-lying zones.
Preparation is fine, but where were these pumps last year? This city has the money but not the will to fix drainage long-term.
The operational readiness is necessary, but we should frame this within broader climate-driven trends; early-season high rainfall points to shifting monsoon patterns. Short-term measures save lives, long-term urban planning must follow.
Good points — the article notes May–July totals were higher than previous years, which lends credence to both urgent action and strategic planning. I’ll flag that for follow-up coverage asking what infrastructure upgrades are funded for next year.
I applaud the crews, but headlines every year say ‘be ready’ and then nothing changes structurally. This looks like temporary band-aid politics to me.
So what should they do, Somchai? Spend billions retrofitting an ancient city? That’s unrealistic and slow. Better to keep pumps and alerts running.
As someone who studies drainage, I agree infrastructure is behind, but blaming politicians alone is simplistic — city growth, illegal constructions and lack of watershed protection accelerate runoff.
I meant systemic accountability, not a witch hunt. If land-use rules were enforced we wouldn’t need to pray to pumps every monsoon.
From a tourist’s view, it feels chaotic; one year streets flood horribly, next year it’s fine. Consistency matters for business and safety.
I live in Bang Khen and I’m already moving my electronics up. But who do we call when the drainage crew doesn’t show up in our soi?
Call your subdistrict office and join local Line groups — volunteers coordinate with BMA and can escalate missing crews. Community alerts are actually getting better.
Thanks Kanya, I’ll try that. The community group helped last year when the underpass filled and cars floated.
Sandbags and pumps are fine but when it floods again, will anyone actually be punished for bad planning? Doubtful.
Punishment doesn’t fix drains — community pressure and voting for responsible leadership can. Meanwhile, volunteers will be placing sandbags tonight.
The mention of Typhoon Podul influencing patterns is important; atmospheric moisture transport from cyclones can intensify convective bursts inland. We should be integrating tropical cyclone projections into Bangkok’s design standards.
Absolutely — urban hydrology models must include changing cyclone frequency and intensity. Funding adaptation is cheaper than annual emergency response costs.
Why is the rain so much this year? Is the sky sad?
Not sad, Mai — the climate is changing a bit, making some storms stronger. Good to learn early: drains, trees and smart planning help.
Also, urban heat islands can enhance local convection; planting green spaces should be part of flood mitigation, not just concrete pumps.
Simple: keep umbrella, don’t drive through deep water, and charge your phone. Been through worse and that saved me.
That’s basic but true. Public messaging should be this simple and drilled into people, not panic-inducing headlines.
Exactly. Too many people treat weather alerts like optional suggestions until the water is at knee level.
Volunteer groups are on standby; we will canvas vulnerable homes and help with sandbags in Lat Krabang and Nong Chok. Message your community leader if you need help. Let’s coordinate supplies and pickup points now.
Kanya, how many volunteers do you need? I can bring a truck and a few strong friends from the temple.
Appreciate the grassroots work, but do volunteers ever get reimbursed? This shouldn’t be done out of pocket forever.
We rely on donations and local budgets; I’m pushing for formal support from BMA. For tonight, we mainly need sand, sacks and people to place them.
I’ll bring sacks and tea for volunteers. Small comforts go a long way when we’re drenched and tired.
Weather models often overpredict local downpours; I’ve seen TMD change forecasts within hours. This feels like a hedge against getting blamed later.
Even if forecasts shift, warnings mobilize people and resources — false alarms are better than surprises, especially in flood-prone areas.
My school cancelled field trip because of rain. I’m a bit sad but also kind of happy to stay home.
Safety first, Mai. Use the time to help your family move things higher and learn simple emergency routines.
Businesses should heed this: test generators, protect inventory, and avoid unnecessary travel for staff today. Flood downtime hits small firms hardest. Plan now or pay dearly later.
Prapat is right — our branch mandates remote work when underpass routes are affected. Cash logistics get messy during floods.
Coordination between businesses and BMA could reduce losses; I’m proposing a district-level contingency meeting after this event.
The article’s practical checklist is solid, but I’d add checking building sump pumps and ensuring ground-floor outlets are elevated. Technical details matter in implementation.
Thanks for the tip, Sombat — we’ll include a primer on sump pump maintenance and electrical safety in our next bulletin to help residents prep correctly.
As a traveler passing through Don Mueang later, should I change my plans or is it just panic? I don’t want to get stuck.