Severe flooding in Bangkok has prompted increased scrutiny of the Thai government’s approach to disaster management, as residents and experts express concerns over the city’s preparedness and response capabilities. Since September 24, relentless downpours have inundated various parts of the capital, including Lat Krabang and Bang Kapi, leaving roads, homes, and vehicles submerged. The government has responded by declaring all 50 districts as disaster-affected areas, deploying military personnel, and opening emergency shelters to aid affected communities.
Critics have particularly focused on the timing of emergency warnings, questioning whether residents received adequate notice to safeguard their belongings and evacuate before the floodwaters rose. Despite the government’s deployment of military and emergency vehicles, and efforts by transport authorities to coordinate across road, rail, water, and air services, questions about the sufficiency of these measures persist.
The flooding coincides with a downturn in political support for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his Bhumjaithai Party, as revealed by a recent NIDA Poll. Conducted from September 18 to 23, prior to the most severe flooding, the poll showed a decline in Anutin’s popularity with only 13.76% of respondents naming him as their preferred prime minister, down from 21.68% in the previous quarter. Support for the Bhumjaithai Party also fell to 12.08% from 17%.
Although the survey predates the flooding crisis, any potential shift in public opinion regarding the government’s handling of the disaster will likely only be captured in future polls. For now, the focus remains on managing immediate relief operations, including drainage efforts and public safety warnings, to support those impacted by the floods.