PHUKET, THAILAND – Severe rainfall unleashed a landslide in the resort town of Patong, damaging part of the hillside stretch of 50 Pi Road and forcing its temporary closure. Local authorities have sought immediate assistance from provincial and national agencies as they race to stabilize the weakened slope.
Critical damage after days of rain
The persistent downpours over the past week saturated the soil, causing foundations and retaining walls along the upper slope to collapse. Chunks of concrete and soil slid downhill, burying the lower section of the road. The damage led officials to block traffic completely until emergency crews could clear and secure the site.
Kittisak Morasin, Director of the Technical Department at Patong Municipality, confirmed that Mayor Lalita Maneesri had already submitted formal requests for help from multiple agencies — including Phuket’s Public Works and Town & Country Planning Office, the local Highway Department, and the national Department of Highways.
Emergency fixes, but experts still needed
So far, officials have relied on short-term measures. “WE COVERED THE DAMAGED AREA WITH TARPAULINS TO PREVENT FURTHER EROSION AND BUILT WOODEN BARRIERS TO AVOID ANOTHER SLIDE,” Kittisak explained. These steps have allowed limited traffic to resume, but the area remains under close watch and partially restricted for safety.
Plans for permanent reinforcement, however, depend on guidance from technical specialists. “LETTERS WERE SENT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE LANDSLIDE, BUT WE’RE STILL WAITING FOR RESPONSES,” Kittisak said, noting that meetings had been held but a long-term solution would only follow once engineers assess the terrain.
Homes at risk and residents evacuated
During a site inspection on 27 October, Akkaraphon Suthirak Chittsuphap, Chief of Kathu District, confirmed that at least one residential property lay directly in the danger zone. The house, occupied by a married couple, remained at risk from further movement of soil. Authorities advised the residents to spend the nights with relatives until the hillside could be declared stable.
On the same day, Mayor Lalita, together with municipal councillors and district staff, distributed relief packages to over 50 households affected by flooding in other parts of Patong. Officials emphasized the cooperation of local families. “THE HOMEOWNERS HAVE FOLLOWED ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE MUNICIPALITY,” a representative said.
Public urged to stay alert
Patong Municipality has appealed to residents impacted by flooding or similar hazards to contact the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office via 076-342600 for assistance.
Authorities warned that while the immediate threat appeared to have eased, further rainfall could reactivate unstable slopes. The episode, they noted, underlines the region’s recurring vulnerability to weather-related disasters and the growing need for long-term preventative infrastructure.
• Persistent rainfall can destabilize Phuket’s steep terrain.
• Temporary barriers are in place but require expert evaluation.
• Residents in high-risk areas urged to monitor official advisories.
• Coordination between local and national agencies ongoing.
Local officials acknowledged the challenge: “THE INCIDENT SHOWS HOW QUICKLY EXTREME WEATHER CAN OVERWHELM EXISTING PROTECTIONS,” one said — highlighting that preventive planning remains crucial as climate patterns grow more unpredictable.