Bangkok parishes shift online as floodwaters cut access to churches

Bangkok parishes moved services online after heavy monsoon rains and low-pressure systems caused widespread flooding across the capital. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration declared all 50 districts flood disaster zones after approximately 300 millimeters of rain fell within 48 hours.

While the Archdiocese of Bangkok did not formally cancel Sunday Mass on Sept. 27, waist-deep water and transit disruptions prevented many people from attending in person. Catholic pastoral guidelines allow the faithful to be excused from the Sunday obligation when natural disasters create safety hazards or make travel impossible. As a result, many Catholics joined live-streamed services from Assumption Cathedral and Holy Redeemer Church.

Even in areas where churches remained dry, such as St. Louis Church in Sathon, blocked roads and traffic limited access to those near the BTS Skytrain. At Mary, Queen of Peace Church near Sukhumvit Road, Father Bandhit Prachongkit said the church and surrounding streets were flooded, forcing the parish to cancel its annual feast day celebrations due to hazardous conditions.