Bangkok Floodwaters Expected to Clear in Three Days as Thai Airways Battles Baggage Backlog

Standing water in Bangkok is expected to clear within three days provided there is no further rainfall, the Thai government said on Wednesday, as national carrier Thai Airways worked to restore normal operations after days of heavy rain and flooding.

Government spokesperson Ekkapob Pianpises told a news briefing that the cabinet will discuss long-term flood mitigation and recovery measures on Tuesday.

The Thai capital received roughly 320 mm (12.6 inches) of rain over two to three days last week — nearly the amount the low-lying city typically records for the entire month of September.

Bangkok's main airports remained operational through the weekend, but baggage handling at Suvarnabhumi Airport was severely disrupted. On Monday, 69 Thai Air Force personnel were deployed to assist ground operations for Thai Airways. Photographs taken on Tuesday showed hundreds of bags still lined up in the airport's hallways.

In social media statements, Thai Airways said 34 flights were delayed on Monday and that baggage from 52 flights operating between September 26 and 27 was being delivered to passengers. The airline also cancelled eight flights on Tuesday, citing the flooding situation in Bangkok and aircraft rotation, and warned that further cancellations or schedule changes were possible.

Beyond the capital, the economic toll is widening. Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said 1,267 businesses across 40 provinces have been affected, including 52 factories and 1,162 small and medium-sized enterprises. Nationwide economic damage from the flooding is estimated at more than $320 million.