Residents of Bang Kapi district on 28/9 turned the area in front of Pantip Plaza shopping mall into a "floating market" to adapt to the prolonged flooding, Reuters reported. Vendors displayed fish, vegetables, and other goods in cooler boxes, while shoppers waded or boated between stalls to buy necessities.

Some vendors from the indoor market also reopened. Marisa Singprakhon, 33, moved her goods from inside her stall to the outside for easier customer access, standing in knee-deep water.

"If customers had to go inside, it would be quite difficult because water levels fluctuate", Marisa said. "So, we stand outside in the flooded area to sell our goods to customers".

The "floating market" in front of Pantip Plaza shopping mall in Bang Kapi district, Bangkok. Video: X/ThaiEnquirer.

Marisa stated that meeting and chatting with people brings joy, but she does not wish to sell goods under current conditions. She hopes Bangkok authorities will pay more attention to Bang Kapi because "very few agencies have come to assist this area".

"Everyone has to work and keep trying", said 59-year-old vendor Pradit Monso. "Many people are in a much worse situation than us. I've seen some people living near apartment complexes with their oto completely submerged, unable to go anywhere. We can still get out, so the situation isn't too bad yet".

The Thai Ministry of Interior reported that last week's unusually heavy rainfall caused severe flooding in 41 provinces across the country, resulting in at least 8 fatalities. Bangkok authorities have declared a disaster status in all 50 districts of the capital, allowing for necessary response measures.

Residents wade through a flooded area in Bangkok, Thailand on 28/9. Photo: AP.

Aat Pisanwanich, an economic expert at Rangsit University, estimated that the floods caused Thailand at least 11 billion baht (327 million USD) in damages, with potential for further increases if the situation does not improve.

"Thailand's GDP growth this year could lose 0,3 percentage points, falling to 2,1%, and Q3 growth could decrease by 0,5 percentage points, to 1,7%", Aat said. According to the expert, Bangkok and Thailand's eastern provinces will bear the main impact, especially wholesale and retail businesses.

Meanwhile, the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce stated that economic damage in Bangkok alone could reach 7 billion baht, while total nationwide damage is estimated at 12,3 billion baht.

Nhu Tam (According to Reuters, AFP)