BANGKOK: The Thai government declared a two-day public holiday for civil servants in Bangkok and three neighboring provinces on Sept. 28 and 29 following widespread flooding and severe weather disruptions.
According to official statements, the holiday aims to reduce public transit demand and ease traffic congestion caused by intense rainfall across the metropolitan region. However, heads of state agencies retain the authority to keep essential public services operational at their discretion.
The decision comes after the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration declared all 50 districts of the capital a disaster area on Saturday, following nearly 300 millimeters (11.8 inches) of rain over a 48-hour period. The torrential downpour submerged major thoroughfares and left numerous vehicles partially underwater.
While floodwaters began receding in several areas on Sunday as rainfall eased, some residents remained stranded in waterlogged homes.
