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The special holidays will apply to Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, and Samut Prakan. Essential public services will continue, while businesses and institutions will determine their own arrangements.
The Thai Cabinet has approved special public holidays on 28 and 29 September 2026 in four flood-affected provinces following heavy rainfall and widespread flooding in the Bangkok area.
The decision was made during a special Cabinet meeting on 27 September, chaired by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul. The designated holiday provinces are:
- Bangkok,
- Nonthaburi,
- Pathum Thani, and
- Samut Prakan.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Persvivatana said the measure is intended to reduce travel-related impacts and support residents affected by flooding in the designated areas.
Essential public services and critical government functions will continue to operate. Government agencies have been instructed to maintain necessary services, including through online channels where appropriate.
Agencies responsible for essential duties, urgent matters, or pre-scheduled appointments that could cause significant public inconvenience if postponed may remain operational at the discretion of their respective heads. These agencies are asked to ensure continuity of service and minimise disruption for the public.
State enterprises, financial institutions, and private-sector organisations are advised to assess whether to declare the two days as holidays based on operational needs and the relevant legal requirements.
The government has also asked state enterprises, the Bank of Thailand, the Ministry of Labour, insurance companies, hospitals, and medical facilities to take appropriate measures within their respective responsibilities.
The Stock Exchange of Thailand will remain open as usual.
Travellers urged to plan ahead for airport travel
In light of the ongoing situation, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has advised passengers travelling through Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports to allow extra time for their journeys.
Passengers should check their flight status through official airline channels before departing and continue monitoring airline and airport announcements, as adverse weather may lead to flight delays or schedule adjustments.
For flights delayed or cancelled because of weather conditions, airlines have been directed to provide care and assistance in accordance with Civil Aviation Board Regulation No. 101 (CAB 101). Depending on the circumstances, this may include food & beverages, communication facilities, alternative travel arrangements, or ticket refunds.
CAAT noted that severe weather is beyond airlines’ control and may necessitate flight schedule changes or cancellations for safety reasons.
Don Mueang: Buffer for two to three hours of travel time
Airports of Thailand (AOT) said flooding of around 10 centimetres has been reported at the entrances and exits of Don Mueang International Airport, affecting lanes 3, 5, 6, and 7. Traffic congestion is also building in the surrounding area.
As such, passengers travelling through Don Mueang are advised to allow two to three hours for travel to the airport. AOT recommends using the tollway for direct airport access where possible, or taking the Red Line rail service to Don Mueang Station and using the Skywalk to reach the passenger terminal.
For further information, passengers can contact the Don Mueang Airport Public Relations Centre at 0 2535 1192 or the AOT Contact Center at 1722.
Suvarnabhumi flights operating as normal
At Suvarnabhumi Airport, flight operations are continuing as normal and major access routes remain open, according to AOT.
However, travellers are advised to avoid the Lat Krabang route due to high floodwaters. AOT recommends using the Motorway (Highway No. 7) or the Burapha Withi Expressway instead.
Passengers flying internationally should arrive at least three hours before departure, while domestic passengers should buffer for at least two hours. Travellers are urged to check route conditions closely before setting out.
For updates, passengers can contact the AOT Contact Center on 1722, available 24 hours a day, or follow Suvarnabhumi Airport’s official social-media channels.
Airlines announce flexible travel options
Several airlines have introduced assistance measures for passengers affected by flooding and travel disruption in Bangkok.
Thai AirAsia
Thai AirAsia and Thai AirAsia X are offering eligible passengers travelling on Bangkok flights between 26 and 28 September the option to change their travel date once, without charge, on the same route. The new flight must be within seven days of the original travel date and is subject to seat availability.
Passengers may alternatively retain the booking value as credit for a future AirAsia booking made within two years of approval. The airline advises passengers to arrive at the airport two to three hours before departure.
Vietjet Thailand
Vietjet Thailand has also extended its recovery measures for passengers travelling to or from Suvarnabhumi Airport between 26 and 30 September 2026. Eligible passengers may make a one-time, free change to the same route, with the revised departure date required to fall within seven calendar days of the original scheduled travel date and subject to seat availability.
Alternatively, passengers can retain the full value of their ticket as a Credit Shell, valid for 180 days.
Passengers can contact Vietjet Thailand through Line at @Thaivietjet, by email at vz.support@vietjetair.com, via live chat at th.vietjetair.com, or by calling its contact centre on 02-089-1909.
Nok Air
Nok Air has announced measures for passengers travelling to or from Don Mueang Airport between 26 and 28 September. Eligible passengers may change their flight once within 30 days of the original travel date, with change fees and fare differences waived, or receive a credit voucher worth 100% of the ticket value, valid for 30 days.
Passengers may contact the airline’s customer service centre on 1318, use its online channels or visit a ticket counter. Terms and conditions apply.
Thai Airways
Thai Airways has expanded its support for passengers holding tickets issued on ticket stock 217 for flights to or from Bangkok. For travel affected between 26 September and 11 October, passengers may change their travel date once without change or no-show fees, provided they retain the same routing and booking class. Flights departing Bangkok should be rescheduled by 11 October, while one-way ticket holders travelling after that date may be subject to the original ticket conditions. Passengers may also upgrade to a higher booking class by paying the fare difference.
Thai Airways said passengers whose flights are cancelled will receive a full refund. Flight status can be checked through the THAI mobile app, thaiairways.com, or the 24-hour THAI Contact Center on +66 2 356 1111.Thai Airways said passengers whose flights are cancelled will receive a full refund.
Flight status can be checked through the THAI mobile app, thaiairways.com, or the 24-hour THAI Contact Center on +66 2 356 1111.
Embassies advise travellers to remain vigilant
The embassies of Malaysia and Singapore have also issued advisories to their nationals in Bangkok, urging them to stay informed about weather, road and traffic conditions; avoid flood-prone areas; and allow extra travel time.
The Malaysia Embassy highlighted the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Road Flood Monitoring Map, which provides updates on road conditions and water levels across the capital. It also noted that flooding or standing water can be reported through Traffy Fondue or the 24-hour BMA hotline on 1555.
Meanwhile, the Singapore Embassy said Suvarnabhumi Airport, the Motorway, and Burapha Withi Expressway remained operational at the time of its advisory, but urged travellers to allocate more time for airport journeys and monitor flight status.
For travel assistance, travellers can contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand Contact Center on 1672 or the Tourist Police on 1155.
Lead image / PRD Thailand
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