High-capacity pumps drain flooded Bangkok housing estate

BANGKOK, Oct 2 (TNA) - Relief is finally in sight for flooded residents in eastern Bangkok. High-capacity, custom-built pumps—originally developed from agricultural water pumps and known locally as "Tho Sing"—have successfully drained major floodwaters from the Klong Chan National Housing estate.

Water levels at the complex dropped by more than a meter, leaving only shallow pockets of 20 to 30 centimeters in some areas, allowing residents to walk through their neighborhood again. As the water recedes, the extent of the damage is becoming clear. Residents are inspecting ruined belongings and submerged vehicles. While basic running water has been restored, clean drinking water remains scarce, and the stench of stagnant floodwater still hangs in the air.

The rapid turnaround was powered by four 15-inch agricultural pumps modified specifically for urban drainage, discharging floodwaters directly into the nearby Saen Saep Canal.

Attapol Noomsamlee, owner of the high-speed "Tho Sing" pump, explained the origin of the equipment:

"It started as a small pump for paddy fields before being adapted for ponds. Eventually, we mounted an engine, added wheels, and built a drive system to make it mobile."

The operation was supported by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), which accelerated water flow along the main canal to lower overall levels and prevent backflow.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt highlighted the effectiveness of these modified agricultural pumps in basin-like housing estates:

"High-speed pumps are ideal for low-lying, basin-like areas like these housing projects. In Bangkok, we don't have pipes this large, so we must thank the volunteers from Prachinburi and Ayutthaya, as well as the Royal Irrigation Department and private sector for their support. Moving forward, this is a good opportunity to review our equipment and consider adding these pumps to our own inventory."

With conditions improving at Klong Chan, officials plan to clear the remaining low-lying pockets before redeploying the "Tho Sing" pumps to other affected areas in eastern Bangkok, including the Kheha Romklao estate in Lat Krabang. -819 (TNA)