BANGKOK authorities are deploying emergency drainage pumps and high-clearance transport vehicles to mitigate potential flooding as over 15,000 international delegates gather in the Thai capital for the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group.
The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts rainfall of up to five centimetres daily between 11 October and 13 October, coinciding with the opening of the weeklong conference. The event brings together finance ministers, central bank governors, and corporate executives representing 191 member states.
Surapong Sarapa, head of forecasting at the Meteorological Department, indicated that while the upcoming weather system is expected to be shorter-lived than the late-September deluge—which dumped over 30 centimetres of rain, flooded infrastructure, and halted factory operations—the wider catchment system remains highly saturated.
Bllombers reported today that key reservoirs across central Thailand reached 91 per cent capacity as of 5 October, with one major dam operating above standard thresholds, elevating downstream water risks along the Chao Phraya River basin.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered state agencies to execute multi-stage contingency plans to ensure unimpeded transport across Bangkok's diplomatic and business districts.
"There must be no disruptions like those seen last week," Anutin stated, emphasizing the economic importance of hosting the summit. "Hosting this meeting is an important opportunity for Thailand to create economic value, expand trade and strengthen confidence in Thailand internationally."
Under the government's operational protocol, hundreds of water pumps have been deployed along major arteries. If floodwaters reach 15.2 centimetres, drainage operations will be intensified to maintain passage for more than 400 official motorcade vehicles.
Should water levels reach 25.4 centimetres, official electric BMW fleets will be swapped for buses, while delegates will be redirected to Bangkok's elevated rail network if flooding reaches 51 centimetres.
Authorities confirmed the conference would be cancelled in an extreme scenario where floodwaters reach three metres.
Government spokesman Ekkapob Pianpises noted that central Bangkok's drainage infrastructure is engineered to discharge runoff rapidly into the Chao Phraya River, which currently retains a one-metre margin below the city's primary flood barrier walls. - October 6, 2026
