Bangkok: Thailand’s floods have disrupted Thai Airways services and baggage operations as Bangkok works to clear floodwater following days of heavy rain.
The country’s flag carrier has struggled to restore regular flights after heavy rainfall caused flooding across Bangkok and other parts of Thailand. The government expects water levels in the capital to recede within 3 days if no further rain falls.
Bangkok received about 320 mm (12.6 inches) of rain over 2 to 3 days. The amount was close to the rainfall the low-lying capital normally receives throughout the entire month of September. The flooding has affected transport and businesses across several provinces.
Bangkok’s main airports continued operating through the heavy rain and flooding. However, baggage handling at Suvarnabhumi Airport was severely disrupted. The Thai Air Force sent 69 personnel on September 28 to assist with ground operations for Thai Airways as the carrier dealt with the impact.
Varawut Silpa-archa, Industry Minister remarked that the flooding affected 1,267 businesses across 40 provinces. The affected businesses include 52 factories and 1,162 small and medium-sized enterprises.
At least 23 people was died across Thailand since September 16 as heavy rain and flooding affected 42 provinces. The Interior Ministry stated that 4 of those deaths occurred in Bangkok.
The government approved more than 4 billion baht ($119 million) to address the impact of the floods. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul noted that a separate long-term drainage project worth 160 billion baht ($5.03 billion) has also received approval.
The economic impact also spread beyond the aviation sector. Nationwide damage from the floods was estimated at more than $320 million. Authorities are now focusing on reducing floodwater in Bangkok while addressing damage to businesses and infrastructure.
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