Severe flooding in Bangkok has brought the Thai government’s disaster response under intense scrutiny, with questions arising about the nation’s preparedness and ability to manage the impacts of increasingly heavy rainfall. Since September 24, persistent downpours have inundated numerous areas 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, opening emergency shelters and deploying personnel and equipment to aid the affected communities.
The timing and effectiveness of emergency warnings have been a particular point of contention. Critics argue that residents in some areas did not receive adequate notice to secure their belongings and move to safer locations before floodwaters surged. Despite these concerns, the government has mobilized military personnel and emergency vehicles, and coordinated efforts across road, rail, water, and air transport services to facilitate relief operations. Drainage and pumping operations are ongoing as officials work to reduce water levels.
This natural disaster coincides with a decline in political support for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Bhumjaithai Party. According to a NIDA Poll conducted from September 18 to 23, before the worst of the flooding, only 13.76% of respondents favored Anutin as their preferred prime minister, a drop from 21.68% in the previous quarter. Support for the Bhumjaithai Party also decreased from 17% to 12.08%.
The timing of the survey is noteworthy, as it does not reflect public sentiment regarding the government’s handling of the flood crisis. Any shifts in opinion related to the government’s performance during the floods will likely be captured in future polls. For now, the primary focus remains on executing effective relief operations, maintaining clear public communication, and providing necessary support to those impacted by the severe weather conditions.