Every time heavy rain falls, the issue that Bangkok residents face is inevitably 'flooding,' which has become a common occurrence. This is especially problematic during rush hour, as it severely impacts road traffic, often bringing it to a standstill. This issue persists regardless of how many governors of Bangkok have been changed.

Bangkok's Low-Lying Areas Prone to Flooding

First, it's important to understand that Bangkok is situated in the low-lying area of the Chao Phraya River basin, with the river flowing through and dividing the area into two sides: Thonburi and Phra Nakhon (Bangkok). The Thonburi side is at a higher elevation than the Bangkok side, which is lower and slopes down towards the east, resembling a basin that is prone to flooding.

Furthermore, this low-lying area extends from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province and features a very gentle slope. The natural flow of water in the waterways is slow. If there is a large volume of water from upstream tributaries or widespread rainfall, the water can overflow its banks or flood, leading to inundation.

In 30 Years, Flood Risk Could Increase Fourfold

Due to climate change from global warming, it is predicted that sea levels in the Gulf of Thailand will rise by 19-29 centimeters by the year 2593, or in 30 years. This means that the water level in the Chao Phraya River, which runs through Bangkok, will also rise, exacerbating the already frequent overflow issues.

According to a report from the World Bank, by 2593, Bangkok will face a fourfold increase in flood risk compared to today, due to land subsidence combined with rising sea levels. This aligns with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) stating that Bangkok will be one of the top 10 cities worldwide most affected by coastal flooding by 2613, or in 50 years.

14 Flood-Prone Areas Even with Less Than 60 Millimeters of Rain

According to Mr. Chakrapan Phiu-ngam, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, there are currently 14 flood-prone areas in Bangkok where flooding can occur even with less than 60 millimeters of rain, including:

  • Chaeng Watthana Road from Khlong Prakpah to Khlong Prem Prachakorn
  • Ratchadapisek Road near Bangkok Bank
  • Phahonyothin Road near Amornphan Market and Kasetsart Intersection
  • Pracharat Sai 2 Road at Tao Poon Intersection
  • Rajavithi Road in front of Suan Dusit Rajabhat University and the Krung Thon Bridge
  • Phaya Thai Road in front of the Department of Livestock Development
  • Sri Ayutthaya Road in front of Phaya Thai Police Station
  • Chan Road from Soi Bamphen Kusol to Yannawa Post Office
  • Suan Plu Road from Sathorn Tai Road to Nang Linchi Road
  • Sathuphat Road at the intersection with Chan Road
  • Suwinthawong Road from Khlong Sam Wa to Khlong Saen Saeb
  • Phetkasem Road from Khlong Thawi Watthana to Khlong Ratchamontri
  • Economic Village Road
  • Bang Khun Thian Road from Rama 2 Road to Bang Khun Thian Seaside Road

Old and Small Drainage Pipes Can't Keep Up

Although all areas in Bangkok have been continuously developed to address these issues, including the installation of water pumps to enhance drainage capacity during heavy rain, the system still struggles to cope with prolonged heavy rainfall.

Mr. Sompong Wiangkaew, an advisor to the Governor of Bangkok, revealed that Bangkok is an old city with drainage pipes that were constructed a long time ago. Some pipes have a diameter of only 30-60 cm, while the largest is about 80 cm. They were originally designed to handle rainfall of up to 60 millimeters per hour, but now rainfall often exceeds 100 millimeters per hour, making it impossible to drain the water quickly enough, leading to inevitable flooding.

SOURCE: tonkit360