Thailand flood death toll doubles to 60 as more rain threatens Bangkok before IMF-World Bank meetings

Thailand’s nationwide flood death toll since 16 September has risen to 60, the interior ministry said on Wednesday, as forecasters warned of more heavy rain in and around Bangkok in the days before the city hosts the IMF–World Bank annual meetings.

The Thai weather agency forecast thundershowers and isolated heavy rain in the capital region from 10 to 12 October — just before the 12–18 October meetings, which the Thai government says will draw 15,000 participants from more than 190 countries.

The interior ministry said floods still affect 28 provinces, including Bangkok, hitting 1.15 million households. Heavy rain is also expected in the southern region, as well as central and eastern Thailand and the lower northeast, raising the risk of further flooding and travel disruption.

Bangkok was hit by severe flooding in late September, with the governor declaring the capital a “disaster-affected” zone after nearly 300mm of rain fell in three days. The Federation of Thai Industries estimated industrial damage at 6 billion baht ($178 million), adding that automotive assembly plants hold enough parts stock to continue production until 12 October, according to FTI Secretary-General Panitarn Pavarolavidya.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul earlier this week ordered officials to ensure the floods do not affect the meetings; 5,000 police have been deployed, with contingency plans including high-clearance tow trucks and helicopters if necessary.