Key facts
- Bangkok is preparing for potential flooding during the IMF-World Bank annual meetings.
- Over 15,000 delegates are expected to attend the event.
- Rainfall of about 50mm (2 inches) per day is forecast from October 11-13.
- Contingency plans include alternative transport and drainage systems.
- The meetings could be cancelled if floodwaters reach 3 meters.
Bangkok is bracing for potential flooding as it prepares to host over 15,000 delegates for the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group. Forecasts indicate the Thai capital could receive approximately 50mm (2 inches) of rain daily from October 11-13, coinciding with the start of the week-long gathering.
This comes after a late September deluge dumped more than 30cm of rain on the city, causing significant disruptions. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has directed agencies to prepare for severe flooding and prevent a repeat of the previous chaos. Contingency plans include deploying large trucks and four-wheel-drive vehicles for delegate transport, positioning hundreds of pumps for drainage, and establishing tiered responses based on floodwater levels. If floodwaters reach an extreme of 3 meters, the meetings would be cancelled.
While the anticipated rain is not expected to be as severe as the September event, key reservoirs in central Thailand are nearly full, increasing the risk of flooding. One major dam is already above its normal capacity, potentially leading to increased water releases downstream. Officials note that central areas where delegates are staying are designed for rapid drainage into the Chao Phraya River, which is currently below flood barriers, providing some capacity to absorb excess water.
The IMF-World Bank meetings are considered a significant opportunity for Thailand to attract investment and promote Bangkok as a regional business and financial hub.