Bangkok cancels Bueng Khu Bon and Bueng Bang Chan monkey-cheek projects, citing poor value for 11 billion baht

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed all agencies to manage water situations and transport systems to support the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, to be held from October 12 to 18, 2026, in Bangkok, which will bring delegates from 191 countries and approximately 15,000 accompanying persons into Thailand. Government spokesman Ekapop Pienpiset said the Prime Minister chaired a meeting of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command to monitor flood situations and assistance to the public, issuing eight directives covering the drainage of reservoirs and waterways that are full or nearly full; the removal of waterway obstructions at bottlenecks, bridges, drainage pipes and underpasses; more precise targeting of risk areas; the mobilization of machinery from the public and private sectors; the immediate start of rehabilitation in zones where water has receded; preparation of rehabilitation plans and compensation for eligible households; discussions with the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives on assistance for farmers whose crops were damaged; and consideration of reducing or waiving water and electricity charges for flood-affected households by waterworks and electricity agencies at both central and regional levels. He also instructed Airports of Thailand and the Ministry of Transport to fully manage inbound and outbound passenger travel and transport, and to expedite the return of services to normal as quickly as possible, in order to build confidence in Thailand's ability to host participants and attract foreign investment.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has completed repairs to its online registration system for flood victims seeking assistance, and about 35,800 people have now registered. Lalida Periswiwatana, deputy spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, said Bangkok is accelerating drainage in the eastern areas, particularly Min Buri, Nong Chok, Prawet, Saphan Sung, Sai Mai and Lat Krabang, and is mobilising water pumps and water-pushing boats to help. Wissanu Charoen, director of the drainage system engineering division at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Drainage Office, said the urgent operation is focused on reclaiming the Rom Klao community housing area in Lat Krabang district, where the water level has been reduced by about 30 to 60 centimetres, though roads in the area are still flooded by about 20 to 30 centimetres. Yesterday the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration added more flood barriers and installed additional water pumps, and expects to lower the water level by about 25 centimetres per day, with roughly two more days needed to return the area to normal. In the Sai Mai–Ao Ngoen area, the situation is expected to ease within about two days. People who have already registered and wish to correct their information can log in to the system to update it, or contact their district office during official working days and hours.

Jesada Chantraprapha, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, said at the joint flood situation press center at Government House that the BMA is accelerating drainage to minimize the impact on residents in outer areas as much as possible. The current situation of northern runoff and seawater intrusion has not yet had a significant impact, but rainfall that may increase further still needs to be monitored. For water management in each area, the BMA has coordinated with the Lak Hok community to consider opening additional sluice gates on Khlong Prem Prachakon to draw water from Khlong Rangsit Prayunsak and the northern areas. In the Khlong Song area of Pathum Thani Province, the BMA is rushing to open sluice gates on Khlong Lat Phrao, Khlong Mo Taek, and Khlong Phraya Suren to ease the hardship of residents in Lam Luk Ka District, in Lat Sawai Subdistrict and Khukhot Subdistrict. On Khlong Saen Saep, water is being drained rapidly outside the Min Buri sluice gate, while on Khlong Prawet Burirom, water is being drained rapidly at the Lat Krabang gate to reduce the impact in the area of King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang and surrounding areas. Additional pumps are also being installed to assist the Keha Thani, Keha Rom Klao, and Nawathani communities. Meanwhile, Bangkok residents affected by the floods can now register to claim relief payments through two main channels: the Tang Rat application and the Bangkok system website at claim.bangkok.go.th