Thailand on High Alert as Rivers Threaten to Flood Villages
Thailand’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department (DDPM) has issued emergency warnings for Chiang Rai and Phetchabun provinces, as heavy rains push rivers to dangerous levels and threaten to inundate entire communities. On Monday, September 22, millions of residents received urgent alerts on their mobile phones.
Pa Sak River Approaches Critical Levels in Phetchabun
In Phetchabun province, heavy rainfall in the Lom Kao district has brought the Pa Sak River close to its maximum capacity. The S.33 monitoring station in Tat Kloi Subdistrict reports critical water levels. Authorities warned: “Communities along the riverbanks, tributaries, and low-lying areas—especially Sila and Tat Kloi—are at acute risk.”
Residents have been urged to move belongings to higher floors and to evacuate vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and sick. Officials are advising everyone to follow updates closely.
Chiang Rai Faces Landslide and Flash Flood Threats
In Chiang Rai, continuous rainfall in Mae Sai district has sharply increased the risk of flash floods, overflowing rivers, and landslides. Lowlands, river basins, canals, and hillside areas are particularly vulnerable. Local authorities have issued the same safety recommendations as in Phetchabun, stressing caution and preparedness.
The DDPM has coordinated with mobile network providers AIS, True, and National Telecom (NT) to deliver alerts directly to residents’ phones. This system ensures warnings reach people even without internet access or smartphones.
Widespread Warnings Extend to 24 Provinces
In a further bulletin, the DDPM warned of flooding risks in 24 provinces across Thailand:
Flash floods and temporary inundations: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Nan, Tak
River overflow: Phitsanulok, Phichit, Phetchabun, Udon Thani, Yasothon, Suphan Buri, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Nakhon Pathom
Coastal flooding from high tides: Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Samut Prakan, Bangkok, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Pattani, Narathiwat, Ranong, Phangnga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Satun
How Residents Can Stay Safe
Residents in affected areas can report emergencies or request assistance via the DDPM Line account @1784DDPM or the 24-hour hotline 1784. Authorities urge everyone to take warnings seriously and avoid venturing into flooded areas.
“We are monitoring the situation around the clock,” a DDPM spokesperson said. “If conditions worsen, we will immediately issue further alerts.”
Experts note that extreme weather events in Thailand are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Intensified and more frequent monsoon rains are overloading infrastructure and triggering severe flooding. The current crisis highlights the growing importance of Thailand’s disaster preparedness—and the life-saving role of mobile alert systems.