THAILAND – The Thai Meteorological Department warned that a tropical depression east of the Philippines was expected to reach the South China Sea between 18 and 19 October, increasing the risk of heavy rain and flooding in southern provinces and producing isolated thunderstorms in the north.
Tropical depression approaching
The department said the low-pressure system would influence weather across the wider region as it moved westwards. Eastern and south-easterly winds were prevailing over Thailand, the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, and forecasters said those winds would feed moisture into the country and raise the chance of heavy showers.
“Residents in affected areas should prepare for flooding and avoid known flood-prone locations,” the Meteorological Department advised, urging people to follow local instructions and check updates frequently.
Regional warnings and short-term outlook
The weather office’s 24-hour forecast laid out a clear regional picture. In the north, isolated thunderstorms were expected, particularly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Tak, with temperatures ranging from about 22 to 34°C. The northeast could see scattered storms in Loei, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram and Ubon Ratchathani, with temperatures between 23 and 34°C.
Central provinces such as Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi and Nakhon Pathom faced isolated thunderstorms and daytime temperatures of roughly 23-35°C. In the east, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri and Rayong were forecast to have scattered storms; wave heights were around 1 metre under normal conditions and could exceed 2 metres during thunderstorms.
South especially vulnerable to heavy rain
Southern Thailand was highlighted as the area most at risk. On the east coast, widespread thunderstorms and isolated heavy rain were forecast in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Pattani and Narathiwat. Forecasts said waves could reach up to 2 metres during storms. The west coast provinces of Phang Nga, Krabi and Trang were also expected to see isolated thunderstorms with similar sea conditions.
Bangkok was expected to experience isolated thunderstorms with temperatures from about 24 to 35°C.
Sea conditions and maritime advice
Forecasters warned mariners to exercise caution in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. They expected waves of roughly 1 metre in normal conditions, rising above 2 metres during thunderstorms. Authorities recommended that ships avoid areas with active thunderstorms and that coastal communities prepare for rough seas.
Advice for residents and visitors
The Meteorological Department advised people in affected provinces to be vigilant and make practical preparations:
– Avoid travel through known flood-prone areas and do not drive through flooded roads.
– Postpone non-essential trips to affected coastal and island areas where sea conditions are rough.
– Stay updated with the latest weather bulletins and follow instructions from local authorities.
Tourists planning boat trips in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand were advised to remain flexible with itineraries and check weather and ferry notices before setting out.
Authorities monitoring the situation
Thailand’s weather agency said it was closely monitoring the system and will issue further warnings if conditions change. Local emergency services and provincial officials were advised to prepare for possible flooding in the southern provinces and to coordinate any necessary evacuations or road closures.