Executive Summary for Highway 304 Flooding
Heavy and continuous rainfall overnight on 22 September 2026 caused waterlogging along Highway 304 (Kabin Buri–Nakhon Ratchasima) in Kabin Buri district, Prachin Buri province. The most affected section was in front of Nong Ki Municipality, where accumulated water reached approximately 15–30 cm across parts of the left and middle lanes.
The flooding significantly disrupted traffic on the major route, which carries substantial volumes of cars and heavy vehicles. Small vehicles and motorcycles faced difficulty passing, while traffic queues extended for several kilometres during the morning period. Authorities deployed traffic personnel, warning signs and drainage teams to manage the situation.
- Date of Event: 22 September 2026
- Location: Kabin Buri District, Prachin Buri, Thailand
- Risk Category: Travel Risks
- Severity Score: 3/5
- Confidence Level: 80%
What is Risk Analysis in the Context of Flood-Related Road Disruptions
Flood-related travel risk analysis assesses how water accumulation can affect road accessibility, vehicle movement and journey times. The risk is particularly significant on major transport corridors where flooding can rapidly create congestion and restrict the movement of passenger and commercial vehicles.
Known Hotspots and Sensitive Areas
High Impact
- Highway 304, Nong Ki Municipality: Water accumulation of approximately 15–30 cm affected the left and middle lanes.
- Kabin Buri–Nakhon Ratchasima route: Major corridor experiencing significant traffic congestion.
- Nong Ki area: Traffic queues extended for several kilometres during the morning.
Medium Impact
- Surrounding roads in Kabin Buri District may experience increased traffic as motorists seek alternative routes.
- Routes used by heavy vehicles may face slower movement because Highway 304 is an important freight and passenger corridor.
Low Impact
- Road sections outside the flooded stretch are expected to face comparatively lower direct disruption, subject to further rainfall.
Impact on Transportation and Services
The flooding has already caused severe traffic congestion, with small cars and motorcycles struggling to pass through the affected section. Traffic police and local disaster-prevention officials were deployed to direct vehicles, while rescue volunteers assisted vehicles that became immobilised in the water. Drainage crews also cleared waste and vegetation obstructing drainage grates and pipes.
Thailand’s Meteorological Department also forecast isolated heavy rainfall in Prachin Buri and other parts of eastern Thailand on 22 September, meaning additional rainfall could prolong localised flooding.
Recommended Actions
- Avoid the affected section of Highway 304 where alternative routes are available.
- Allow significant additional travel time when travelling through Kabin Buri.
- Heavy-vehicle operators should monitor road conditions before dispatching vehicles through the affected corridor.
- Drive slowly through waterlogged sections and avoid sudden acceleration.
- Monitor local traffic and weather updates for further rainfall or changes in road accessibility.
Emergency Contacts
- Police: 191
- Medical Emergency: 1669
- Disaster Prevention and Mitigation: 1784
Final Thoughts
The flooding represents a moderate travel risk, with the most immediate impact concentrated around Highway 304 near Nong Ki Municipality. Although water levels were reported to be stabilising and gradually decreasing, further rainfall could prolong congestion or cause additional water accumulation along the route. Leveraging MitKat’s Datasurfr enables businesses to receive real-time intelligence, monitor evolving threats and make informed decisions to protect people, assets and operations.