Severe flooding in Bangkok has brought the Thai government’s disaster response under intense scrutiny. Since September 24, heavy rainfall has inundated several parts of the capital, including Lat Krabang and Bang Kapi, submerging roads, homes, and vehicles. In response, authorities have declared all 50 districts of Bangkok as disaster-affected areas and have opened emergency shelters, deploying personnel and equipment to assist impacted communities.
Critics have raised concerns about the government’s preparedness and the timing of emergency warnings, questioning whether residents received adequate notice to protect their belongings and vehicles before floodwaters surged. The government has mobilized military personnel and emergency vehicles, coordinating efforts across road, rail, water, and air services, while continuing drainage and pumping operations to mitigate water levels.
The flooding coincides with a dip in political support for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Bhumjaithai Party. According to a NIDA Poll conducted from September 18 to 23, just before the worst of the flooding, only 13.76% of respondents favored Anutin as their preferred choice for prime minister, a drop from 21.68% in the previous quarter. Support for the Bhumjaithai Party also fell to 12.08% from 17% in the previous quarter.
As the floods persist, the focus remains on ongoing relief efforts, public warning systems, and the management of resources to support affected areas. The recent poll does not reflect changes in public opinion that may have arisen due to the government’s handling of the floods, leaving future surveys to capture any shifts in sentiment.