Why Thailand’s devastating floods have sparked fury in Bangkok

WorldEnvironment
5 Oct 2026 • 8:43 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Why Thailand’s devastating floods have sparked fury in Bangkok

  • Severe flooding across Thailand since 16 September has killed at least 31 people and affected nearly 3.5 million nationwide, triggering widespread public anger over the government's response.
  • Bangkok experienced its worst floods in 15 years after three days of torrential rain dumped 320mm on the capital, leaving residents in eastern districts stranded without power, running water, or fresh food.
  • Prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul was confronted by angry crowds during visits to affected areas and acknowledged that the government was unprepared, having cut short a diplomatic visit to the UK to oversee relief efforts.
  • Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt issued an apology for delayed flood warnings and sluggish relief operations as weather forecasters warned of further heavy rain and thunderstorms.
  • The Thai cabinet has approved an eight-year, 160 billion baht (£3.5bn) engineering project to construct a new canal diverting floodwaters away from the capital to mitigate future risks.

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