Thailand: Two Days Off for Officials in Bangkok Amid Flooding

Yesterday 10:18

The Thai government has decided to grant two exceptional days off to officials in Bangkok and three neighboring provinces as heavy rains have caused flooding in the capital. The measure, scheduled for September 28 and 29, comes at a time when a judicial decision regarding the ballots used in the February elections is awaited.

A Measure Aimed at Reducing Travel

The Thai cabinet approved on Sunday the declaration of September 28 and 29 as exceptional days for public administration officials in Bangkok and three surrounding provinces.

According to authorities, this decision primarily aims to reduce travel and limit traffic disruptions caused by the bad weather. However, administrations may still maintain certain activities deemed necessary at the discretion of their leaders.

The decision comes after several days of particularly heavy rainfall in the Bangkok region.

Bangkok Affected by Significant Flooding

The Thai capital was declared a disaster-affected area on Saturday after nearly 300 millimeters of rain in 48 hours were recorded. Several major roads have been flooded, leaving vehicles partially submerged.

On Sunday, the situation began to improve with a decrease in rainfall and the gradual receding of waters in several areas. However, some residents remained trapped in their homes while authorities continued evacuation and drainage operations.

The weather conditions have thus led authorities to take measures aimed at reducing traffic in the most exposed areas.

Possible Impact on Judicial Decision

The timing of the two days off could also have implications for the functioning of certain public institutions. Reuters reports that it could affect the timeline of a judicial decision regarding the ballots used in the elections held in February.

This judicial procedure is particularly significant as the decision could call into question the validity of the electoral results. At this stage, however, no official announcement indicates that the court will actually change the scheduled date for its ruling.

The administrative measure related to the bad weather and the judicial procedure remain two distinct issues, even if the public service schedule could practically impact the conduct of institutional activities.

Authorities Maintain Certain Essential Activities

Despite the exceptional closure of many administrative services, the government specified that official matters deemed important could continue during these two days.

This provision is intended to allow the concerned administrations to maintain operations considered necessary while limiting the movement of officials and the public in a capital facing disruptions due to heavy rainfall.

The decision thus illustrates the consequences of bad weather on the daily functioning of Bangkok, as authorities continue their efforts to mitigate the effects of the flooding.