Fears of flooding in central Bangkok have intensified as two huge masses of water northeast of the city threaten the capital over coming days, a senior Royal Irrigation Department official told The Nation newspaper.
Governor of Bangkok Sukhumbhand Paribatra, in a live televised broadcast, has warned residents of Bangkok to prepare for floodwaters to roll deeper into the city from suburban areas already swamped by the deluge.
On the warning list is the Chatuchak district, popular with tourists and locals for its weekend market.
Bangkok officials are preparing to prevent possible flooding at three key areas – royal palaces, Don Muang Airport and industrial estates.
Flooding in and around Don Muang has forced organisers to cancel the Bangkok Rugby Sevens tournament which was due to be held this weekend.
Fourteen foreign teams had been due to fly to Thailand – including those from France, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.
