Thon Thamrongnawasawat critiques Bangkok flood management

Marine and environmental scientist Thon Thamrongnawasawat has raised concerns regarding the effectiveness of Bangkok's flood management systems following recent heavy rainfall. Reflecting on his 60 years of residency in the Ekkamai area, he noted that despite the construction of a massive drainage tunnel between 2018 and 2019, flooding in the district has become more severe and persistent than in previous decades.

Thamrongnawasawat highlighted that modern urban expansion has replaced natural waterways and retention areas with concrete, complicating drainage. He observed that recent rainfall patterns, characterized by continuous heavy downpours, have paralyzed the drainage system, leading to prolonged flooding that lasts from early morning until late evening.

Additionally, scientific data suggests that a phenomenon similar to a “storm surge” may be hindering drainage efforts. Analysis of tidal station data from the inner Gulf of Thailand indicates that abnormal sea level rises—potentially caused by low-pressure systems over Bangkok—have reached peaks of over 80 centimeters. This elevated sea level makes it difficult to discharge floodwaters into the ocean, exacerbating the accumulation of water within the city during heavy rain events.