Thailand’s government is expressing confidence that Bangkok will escape the worst flooding to hit this nation in decades as flood waters begin receding across central plains north of the capital.
Agriculture Minister Theera Wongsamut said the largest volumes of runoff water flowing down from the north have already passed through Bangkok’s Chao Phraya river and into the Gulf of Thailand. He said water levels on the river will go no higher.
He also said Sunday that water levels in the provinces of Singburi, Angthong and hard-hit Ayutthaya have begun to recede.
Mr. Wongsamut stopped short of saying the threat to the capital had passed, however.
Bangkok is being shielded from the floods by an elaborate system of flood walls, canals, dikes and underground tunnels.
