Photo: Pok Rie / Pexels
Thailand's news this week is dominated by serious flooding in Bangkok and 27 provinces, with more than 3.16 million people affected. There is also a proposed 1,000 baht departure tax for air travellers, which has not been introduced and is still in public consultation. A fatal motorcycle crash in Phuket is a reminder to take care on the roads. Nothing in the report mentions Krabi or Koh Lanta, but here is what travellers should know.
Floods in Bangkok and 27 provinces
More than 3.16 million people are affected. As of 7 October, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported more than 1.15 million households affected and 52 deaths nationwide.
The picture is mixed:
- Water levels are still rising in Prachin Buri, Samut Prakan and Pathum Thani.
- Conditions are improving in parts of northern Thailand and in Bangkok.
- Authorities are deploying pumps, rescue equipment and emergency supplies, and moving vulnerable residents to safer areas.
- Flood relief registration has opened in 65 provinces plus Bangkok (reported about four days before the roundup).
Around 2,000 pigs drowned on a large farm in Mueang district, Prachin Buri, after flash floods. More than 50 officials, with heavy machinery and trucks, are removing and burying the carcasses. The farm and nearby water sources are being disinfected under veterinary procedures. Officials are also assessing the damage to set compensation for farmers.
What the floods mean for travellers
Check conditions before travelling to or through Prachin Buri, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani and the other affected provinces, and expect some transport disruption. Bangkok is improving, but the situation is still active.
The report doesn't mention Krabi or Koh Lanta, and the flood list may not include the south. If it matters for your plans, check the full list from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
Proposed departure tax
The Finance Ministry has proposed legislation to replace the current departure-tax framework. Under the proposal:
- The tax would be 1,000 baht for anyone leaving Thailand by air, regardless of nationality.
- The law would cap the tax at 5,000 baht per departure.
- The Revenue Department's public consultation runs from 30 September to 29 October 2026.
The tax has not been introduced, and further decisions are needed first. If it is adopted, it would likely add about 1,000 baht per air departure, and it could rise to the 5,000 baht ceiling. Wait for an official announcement, and don't assume the fee applies to your flight.
Fatal crash in Phuket
A 57-year-old Filipino man, named as Oscar Deladia, died at around 5pm on 7 October. He was stopped at a red light at a zebra crossing on Thep Krasattri Road, outside a petrol station in Thalang district, when a lorry hit his motorcycle from behind. Rescuers confirmed he died at the scene.
The lorry driver reportedly left the vehicle and fled. Police are reviewing CCTV.
Motorcyclists and pedestrians should take extra care, including at crossings and traffic lights.
Other stories in the roundup
The video roundup also covered the stories below. The text we have only gives headlines or intro lines, so there are no further details.
- A worker died in a crane sling accident at a Bangkok construction site.
- A tragic incident involving a couple in Tak.
- New opportunities for street performers in Pattaya.
- Bangkok was named the world's best city by Condé Nast Traveller (this appears in the title only).
- A Thai dessert has people joking about Peking duck.
- Foreign film productions generated a record 7.51 billion baht in Thailand.
Sidebar headlines included:
- A Frenchman arrested over an unlicensed Chiang Mai hostel.
- A free Royal Barge Procession exhibition at ICONSIAM.
- Highgate International School opening its first campus outside the UK, in Chonburi.
- A Buriram abbot arrested over meth.
- Thai Airways wine spending after the CEO was sidelined.
- Thai officials examining Chabad funding (61 company registrations).
- A 13-year-old injured while reaching into floodwater.
- An Indonesian YouTuber apologising to a Bangkok transwoman.
- More than 20 otters along the Bangkok Noi canal.
Information sourced from The Thaiger.