Floodwaters in Bangkok are beginning to recede as the Thai government prepares to discuss long-term measures to tackle flooding and support recovery efforts.
Government spokesperson Ekkapob Pianpises said the cabinet would discuss flood management and recovery plans on Tuesday.
Bangkok received around 320 millimetres of rainfall over two to three days last week, nearly matching the amount of rain the low-lying capital typically receives throughout September.
The city’s main airports continued operations despite heavy rain and flooding, but baggage handling at Suvarnabhumi Airport was severely disrupted. On Monday, 69 Thai Air Force personnel were deployed to assist the ground operations of national carrier Thai Airways.
Hundreds of pieces of luggage remained lined up in airport hallways on Tuesday as efforts continued to clear the backlog.
Thai Airways said 34 flights were delayed on Monday, while baggage from 52 flights operated on September 26 and 27 was still being delivered to passengers.
The airline also announced the cancellation of eight flights on Tuesday, citing flooding in Bangkok and aircraft rotation issues. It warned that further cancellations or schedule changes could be possible.
Flooding has also affected businesses across Thailand. Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said 1,267 businesses in 40 provinces had been impacted, including 52 factories and 1,162 small and medium-sized enterprises.
Nationwide economic losses from the flooding have been estimated at more than $320 million.
