The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is warning people living near floodgates to prepare for high tides and subsequent flooding this week and between November 20^th and 26^th.

Bang Phlat, Samphanthawong, Yannawa, Thonburi and Klong Toey are at risk and several roads there are already flooded.

The BMA also warned that the high tides today will reach a peak of 1.20 meters above sea level at 7.32pm.

Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang said that the BMA is ready to help people affected by the high tides in the late afternoon, raising the level of the Chao Phraya River to 2.30m and threatening communities outside the embankments and homes near the temporary dams, where there is no permanent water barrier. 

Governor Aswin added that the highest water level in the Chao Phraya River is almost 2.4 meters, instead of the more usual 1.90 meters. The BMA is continuously monitoring the situation and has been reporting the water levels every day. The current water level is, however, 25-40cm above forecasts, due to winds in the Gulf of Thailand driving water levels in the estuary higher.

The BMA would like to warn people living in waterfront areas, with no permanent water protection, to prepare to move their belongings to a higher location to prevent damage. Citizens who are affected can call the BMA’s hotline 1555.

The BMA notes that this occurs every year, during November and December. In December, water levels will rise to their highest and this year that will exceed forecasts from the Hydrographic Department of the Navy. 

The situation is expected to improve on November 13^th but there will be another surge between November 20^th and 26^th, which could see water levels as high as 1.17 metres.