Bangkok: Tidal flood warning for the Chao Phraya, water already on the streets in Samut Prakan

Contents of this article3 sections

1. What has been announced
2. On Wednesday the water was already there
3. What this means for your trip

What has been announced

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation warns of flooding at high tide. From 27 October to 5 November, the water level in the Chao Phraya and adjoining canals may rise, especially between 6 am and 3 pm. Low-lying riverbanks and settlements outside the flood walls or at gaps in the flood protection are at risk.

The warning applies to Bangkok and parts of six provinces:

• Pathum Thani (Mueang Pathum Thani, Sam Khok)
• Nonthaburi (Mueang Nonthaburi, Pak Kret, Bang Kruai)
• Nakhon Pathom (Bang Len, Nakhon Chai Si, Sam Phran)
• Samut Sakhon (all districts)
• Samut Songkhram (all districts)
• Samut Prakan (Mueang Samut Prakan, Phra Samut Chedi, Phra Pradaeng, Bang Bo)

On Wednesday the water was already there

On 28 October, water was actually standing on the streets in several places. In Samut Prakan, the tide flowed onto the road near the Phra Chulachomklao Fort and caused a traffic jam. In Mae Klong in Samut Songkhram, the water rose along the railway line into the market, and the level was higher than the day before. On the beach at Bang Saen in Chon Buri, the sea came over the shoreline as far as the beach stalls.

For this short period there is also a second warning. From 28 to 30 October, Bangkok and seven provinces are being watched, now including Chachoengsao. The water authority names a cold air mass from China as the cause: it strengthens the east wind over the Gulf of Thailand and pushes water up at the mouths of the Bang Pakong, Chao Phraya, Tha Chin and Mae Klong rivers. Stretches of Sukhumvit, Suksawat and Rama II roads are also being monitored.

What this means for your trip

Bangkok’s tourist districts have not been named as hot spots. Low-lying riverbank areas and places close to the river are more likely to be affected. If you factor that in, these tips help:

• Boats and piers: Check in the morning whether ferries, river boats or restaurant boats are running. The authorities have explicitly urged their operators to take care.
• Trips towards the sea: Mae Klong and the Amphawa area are in Samut Songkhram, where the entire province is being monitored. The market in Mae Klong was under water at times on Wednesday.
• Time window: The dangerous period is between 6 am and 3 pm. In the evening and at night, the water level is usually lower.
• Journey back to the airport: Allow a buffer if you travel via Rama II or Sukhumvit.

For the general situation in the country, see the report on the flooding in central Thailand. For the best ways to experience the city, see the destination guide Bangkok.

Sources: The Nation, 27 and 28 October 2026.