Thai authorities have issued flood and landslide warnings for Bangkok and 35 provinces as heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to affect large parts of the country through October 25, raising concerns about travel disruptions and public safety.
The Thai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has placed the affected areas on alert and instructed local authorities to prepare emergency response teams and equipment. The warning comes as Thailand continues to deal with widespread flooding following weeks of persistent rainfall.
According to the Thai Meteorological Department, southern and eastern Thailand are expected to experience continued heavy downpours from October 19 to 20. Rainfall is then forecast to intensify from October 21 to 25 across the lower Northeast, central region — including Bangkok and surrounding provinces — the East and the upper South.
Prolonged rainfall could trigger flash floods, overflowing waterways and landslides, particularly in low-lying communities, areas near rivers and canals, and settlements close to hillsides.
Eastern provinces such as Chonburi and Rayong could face particularly heavy rain on October 21 and 22. Popular southern destinations, including Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi, are also expected to experience intense downpours later in the week.
Residents have been urged to monitor official weather updates, exercise caution when travelling and avoid roads that are repeatedly affected by flooding. People living in vulnerable areas should remain alert to rising water levels and follow instructions from local authorities.
The unsettled weather is also expected to affect marine conditions. The meteorological department warned that waves in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand could exceed three metres during thunderstorms, advising boat operators to navigate carefully and avoid storm-affected waters.
The weather system is being driven by a monsoon trough over southern Thailand and the southwest monsoon affecting the lower Andaman Sea. A high-pressure system extending from China is expected to influence conditions as the trough shifts northwards.
The latest warning follows a severe period of flooding across the country. Reuters reported that, as of October 12, floods had killed 71 people since September 16 and affected 51 provinces, with approximately 908,000 households impacted.
Bangkok has also experienced serious flooding in recent weeks, with heavy rainfall inundating roads and residential areas and disrupting daily life. The continuing threat of further downpours has prompted authorities to maintain emergency preparations.
As Thailand braces for another spell of unsettled weather, residents and visitors are being advised to take precautions, check travel arrangements and follow announcements from the Thai Meteorological Department and local disaster-management agencies.
