BANGKOK – Thailand’s cabinet has announced special holidays for government employees in Bangkok and two surrounding provinces on September 28 and 29 amid heavy rains and flooding.
According to the government, the decision aims to reduce public movement and ease traffic and travel difficulties caused by the severe weather.
The holiday announcement has also raised concerns about its potential impact on a key hearing and ruling scheduled at Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Monday.
The case concerns ballot papers used in elections held in February, with a possible ruling potentially raising questions over the election results.
The situation in Bangkok deteriorated after heavy rainfall, prompting the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to declare the capital a disaster area on Saturday.
Authorities said around 300 millimetres of rain was recorded over a 48-hour period, flooding major roads across the city and leaving several vehicles partially submerged.
Thailand’s Meteorological Department has issued a warning for heavy rainfall across 13 provinces on the afternoon of September 28.
Authorities cautioned that additional rain could increase existing flood levels and further delay the drainage of water in areas already experiencing flooding.
The alert covers Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai and Tak in northern Thailand. In the central region, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Suphan Buri and Ratchaburi are expected to be affected.
The eastern provinces under the warning are Nakhon Nayok, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat.
People living in affected areas have been advised to stay updated on weather developments and exercise caution around flooded locations. Travellers should also assess weather and road conditions before beginning their journeys.
