Bangkok:Recent heavy rainfall and flooding in Bangkok and its surrounding areas caused significant property damage but had a minimal impact on the country's GDP, less than 0.1%. This outcome contrasts sharply with the 2011 floods, which severely affected Thailand's economy.

According to Thai News Agency, the 2011 Great Flood was caused by water masses from the northern region flooding industrial estates in the central region and Bangkok, disrupting global automotive and electronics production supply chains. This event reduced Thailand's GDP growth rate in 2011 from a projected 4% to about 0.5%.

The current flooding situation, referred to as a "Rain Bomb," resulted from a low-pressure system causing continuous heavy rainfall from September 25-27, with accumulated rainfall reaching 300 millimeters. While such events are rare, occurring once every 50 to 100 years, climate change may increase their frequency. Bangkok's dense population and inadequate drainage capacity have exacerbated the situation.

Dr. Supavud Saichue noted that the minimal GDP impact was due to the lack of damage to industrial plants and major manufacturing sectors. GDP measures the flow of production, not asset value. Despite the loss of wealth and assets, recovery spending on repairs and rebuilding is expected to boost GDP in the following quarter.

Looking ahead, October's rainfall is anticipated to decrease, but high tides and runoff from the north may pose risks to areas along the Chao Phraya River and Samut Prakan.

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