Severe flooding in Bangkok has raised significant concerns about the Thai government’s ability to effectively respond to natural disasters. Since September 24, heavy rainfall has inundated various parts of the capital, including Lat Krabang and Bang Kapi, leading to submerged roads, homes, and vehicles. In response, the authorities have opened emergency shelters and deployed resources to assist affected communities, declaring all 50 districts of Bangkok as disaster-affected areas.
Criticism has emerged over the timing of emergency warnings, with residents questioning whether they received adequate notice to protect their belongings and move to safer areas before floodwaters rose. The government has mobilized military personnel and emergency vehicles, and coordinated efforts across transport services, including road, rail, water, and air, to mitigate the situation. Drainage and pumping operations are ongoing as authorities strive to lower water levels in the affected zones.
This crisis coincides with a decline in political support for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Bhumjaithai Party, as reflected in the latest NIDA Poll conducted from September 18 to 23. The survey, which took place before the most severe flooding, indicates that only 13.76% of respondents favor 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 crucial, as it does not capture public sentiment about the government’s handling of the floods, which could potentially affect future polling outcomes. For now, the focus remains on the ongoing relief efforts, drainage measures, and ensuring that communities receive timely warnings and support to cope with the flooding.