Thai Airways is facing continued disruption as it works to restore normal operations following heavy rainfall and flooding in Bangkok. The government expects floodwaters in the capital to recede within three days if further heavy rain does not occur.

The airline plans to cancel around 30 flights from Bangkok on Tuesday, representing about 30 percent of its scheduled departures. Chief Executive Chai Eamsiri said the reduction in services is expected to continue for at least three days.

He said almost all Thai Airways flights during the previous two days had been delayed, with fewer than 3 percent operating on schedule as the airline struggled to maintain normal operational capacity.

Bangkok received around 320 millimetres of rainfall over two to three days last week, an amount close to the city's usual rainfall for the entire month of September.

At least 23 people have died across Thailand following heavy rain and flooding in 42 provinces since September 16, including four deaths in Bangkok.

While the city's main airports continued operating during the weekend, baggage handling at Suvarnabhumi Airport faced major disruption. Sixty nine Thai Air Force personnel were brought in on Monday to assist Thai Airways with ground operations.

Around 5,600 bags belonging to Thai Airways passengers remain at the airport. Chai said the airline expects the backlog to be cleared within 72 hours.

The Thai cabinet has approved more than 4 billion baht, equivalent to about 119 million dollars, for flood related measures. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul also said a long term drainage project costing 160 billion baht had received approval.

Industry Minister Varawut Silpa archa said flooding has affected around 1,267 businesses across 40 provinces, including 52 factories and 1,162 small and medium enterprises. Nationwide economic losses from the floods have been estimated at more than 320 million dollars.