Short answer
On 27 September 2026 the Cabinet approved special holidays for 28 and 29 September in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan because of flooding. The Tourism Authority of Thailand said on 29 September that the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, the airports and the BTS, MRT and airport train stayed open, but Thai Airways cancelled some flights. Bangkok has since lifted its flood status in 42 of 50 districts, though flooding continued in other provinces in late October.
The Cabinet declared two special holidays on 27 September
On Sunday 27 September 2026 the Cabinet approved special holidays for 28 and 29 September in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan, according to the Nation and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The Nation reported that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the decision after a special Cabinet meeting on the flood emergency, and that it covered government agencies and the private sector. TAT said the measure answered continuing heavy rain and flooding that was affecting travel.
Bangkok's city administration had already declared all 50 districts disaster areas on 25 September, after several hours of continuous rain on 24 September, Thaiger reported. TAT described its own holiday as a way to reduce travel. It did not close the city: the Stock Exchange of Thailand said it would trade as normal on 28 September.
What stayed open for visitors
In its visitor update of 29 September, TAT said Bangkok's main tourist areas had stayed accessible throughout: Siam, Yaowarat (Chinatown), Talat Noi and Song Wat, the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun. Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports were open, and the Airport Rail Link, the Red Line, the BTS Skytrain and the MRT were running. TAT advised visitors to check weather and transport information before setting out.
Air travel was the weak point. TAT said Thai Airways was still clearing delayed baggage at Suvarnabhumi on 29 September and had cancelled selected flights that day, including services involving Phuket, Khon Kaen, Hanoi and Singapore. On 28 and 29 September TAT and the Thailand Privilege Card company prepared more than 1,000 meal sets, plus drinking water, for passengers and staff at the airport.
Where the floods stand in late October
Bangkok has lifted most of its flood declarations. Thaiger reported on 11 October that the city ended the disaster status in 30 more districts from 9 October, which made 42 of the 50. Eight districts stayed under monitoring: Khlong Sam Wa, Bueng Kum, Prawet, Min Buri, Lat Krabang, Saphan Sung, Sai Mai and Nong Chok.
The wider flood was long. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reported on 7 October that 27 provinces and Bangkok were flooded, affecting 3,160,972 people and with 52 deaths; Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Samut Songkhram and Chiang Mai were on its list. By 26 October the DDPM figure, as the Nation reported it, had fallen to 20 provinces and Bangkok, with 1,008,982 people affected.
What it means for a Grand Palace day
Our Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun tour is a walk of about four hours that starts at about 8:30 am near the Grand Palace and crosses the river by ferry to Wat Arun. It runs in rain, and all three temples were on the list TAT called accessible on 29 September. The Grand Palace can also close for royal ceremonies; our guide to Grand Palace hours and dress code explains how to check.
A day trip outside the city is less settled. Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi and Samut Songkhram, where our Bangkok day trips go, were all on the DDPM list in early October. Send us your date and we check the situation for that day and tell you on WhatsApp before you pay.
Practical checklist
- Check your airline's status before you leave for Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang; Thai Airways cancelled some flights on 29 September.
- Keep the Tourist Police number 1155 and the TAT Contact Centre number 1672 in your phone.
- Pack a light poncho and shoes that slip off easily and dry quickly for temple days.
- If you plan a day trip to Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi or the floating markets, ask for a check on your date.
- Leave a buffer of a few hours between a tour and an onward flight in the rainy season.
Questions and answers
Were Bangkok's temples closed during the flood holidays?
No. TAT's update of 29 September listed the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho and Wat Arun among the attractions that had stayed accessible. The special holidays covered offices in four provinces, not the tourist sites.
Is Bangkok still flooded now?
Mostly not. Bangkok had lifted its flood status in 42 of 50 districts by 9 October, with eight outer districts still monitored. Flooding continued in other provinces: the DDPM figure quoted on 26 October was 20 provinces and Bangkok.
Did the airports close?
No. TAT said Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang stayed open and operating. Thai Airways did cancel selected flights on 29 September and was clearing delayed baggage, so check your airline before you travel.
Who do I call for help in Bangkok?
TAT lists the Tourist Police on 1155, the TAT Contact Centre on 1672 and the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation hotline on 1784. Emergency medical services are on 1669.