Thailand expects floodwaters in Bangkok to recede within two to three days if there is no further heavy rainfall, as authorities step up drainage and recovery efforts following severe flooding in the capital.

Government spokesperson Ekkapob Pianpises said the Cabinet would discuss longer-term measures to address the flooding and support recovery. Bangkok received about 320mm of rain over two to three days last week, nearly equivalent to the amount the city normally receives throughout September. 

The flooding has affected businesses and disrupted transport across the capital. Nationwide, at least 23 people have died in heavy rains and flooding across 42 provinces since September 16, including four deaths in Bangkok, according to Thailand’s Interior Ministry. 

Thailand’s flagship carrier, Thai Airways, has also been affected by the flooding. The airline said it planned to cut about 30 flights, representing roughly 30 per cent of its scheduled departures from Bangkok, as it struggled to restore normal operations.

Thai Airways Chief Executive Chai Eamsiri said almost all flights over the previous two days had been delayed, while around 5,600 bags remained stranded at Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The airline expects to clear the baggage backlog within 72 hours. 

The Thai government has approved more than 4 billion baht ($119 million) to address the immediate impact of the floods. It has also approved a long-term drainage project estimated at 160 billion baht.

Meanwhile, about 1,267 businesses across 40 provinces have been affected by the flooding, including 52 factories and 1,162 small and medium-sized enterprises. Nationwide economic damage has been estimated at more than $320 million.