After intense rainfall swamped waterways and the drainage network, officials placed all 50 of Bangkok's districts under emergency status as flooding spread across roads citywide.
City authorities said the rain has eased, but water levels in Bangkok's canals remain high. The governor warned that the flooding danger has not passed.
Here's what to know
Residents in Bangkok have been urged to stay home, and people in canal-side communities were told to move belongings upstairs after more than 12 inches (300 millimeters) of rain fell on the city over several days, triggering a flood emergency, according to BBC News. Canal water remains elevated even though the heaviest rain has eased.
Bangkok's already congested streets became even harder to navigate after the downpours overwhelmed the city's drainage system. As canals overflowed, water spread across roads and into nearby neighborhoods.
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the hardest-hit areas were in the eastern part of the city.
"The rain keeps falling and we are doing our best. We are trying to pump the water out, but the water in canals are full... The risk areas are those who live near canals. Every canal is now filled," he said.
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No casualties from the flooding in Bangkok have been reported. In 2011, by contrast, a three-month spell of extreme weather killed hundreds across Thailand.
More background
Thailand often experiences seasonal thunderstorms, yet this episode differed in the volume of rain that fell over a brief period, overrunning infrastructure built to move runoff through Bangkok's extensive canal network.
"The water keeps coming in. It's hard to go out now. It's like at my waist level now," said Somkid Pheuk-ngam, a 67-year-old resident living near a canal north of central Bangkok. "I cannot go anywhere. I have been closing my shop for two days now."
She also said that water levels appeared worse than in 2011.
What's being done?
Officials have advised residents to stay at home, while households near canals have been told to move belongings to upper floors.
Chadchart Sittipunt said crews are trying to pump water out of flooded areas.
The Thai Meteorological Service says more heavy rain is expected, although the low-pressure system behind the downpours is forecast to shift toward central Thailand.
Authorities say residents should stay home if instructed, follow official guidance, and move belongings to upper floors where flooding is possible. People living near canals remain at the greatest risk as long as water levels stay high.
Where can I learn more?
For a wider look at the risks behind disasters like this one, these stories examine how floods can shut down cities and strain regional economies.
• In Mumbai, record-breaking floods brought a major city to a standstill after extreme rain.
• Experts say expanding into high-risk flood zones is worsening urban flood losses.
• Across Pakistan and India, millions faced displacement and flood danger after heavy rains.
• In northern Australia, catastrophic flooding threatened entire communities as residents were ordered to evacuate.
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