PHUKET, THAILAND – Southern Thailand was bracing for days of extreme rainfall as authorities on Phuket activated the highest state of alert.
Five days of severe rain forecast
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) warned of heavy to very heavy rain across the south from 12 to 16 December. Officials said the forecast of five consecutive days of intense precipitation posed major risks because the soil would be unable to absorb the water. Authorities expected flash floods, landslides along slopes and dangerous waves along the coasts, stressing that the situation was serious.
Emergency plans and dam monitoring
Phuket’s provincial administration placed all relevant agencies on maximum readiness, alerting district chiefs, local emergency centres and aid organisations. Instructions emphasised minimising risks, particularly in hilly areas and regions where the ground was already saturated with water. Dams and reservoirs were being closely monitored, with immediate warnings required if storage levels exceeded 80 percent.
Tourist sites and beaches under watch
Special attention was being given to nature-based tourist attractions and beaches, which local authorities were ordered to observe continuously.
“If conditions are unsafe due to heavy rain, these areas must be closed immediately,”
said local authorities, according to the directive. Swimming bans could be introduced on beaches, while boat operators and fishers were told to exercise extreme caution, with a complete ban on going to sea possible if conditions worsened.
Safety advice for residents
Officials urged the public to follow official warnings strictly and to stay updated on changing conditions. During flooding, the risk of electric shock was described as life-threatening, and people were advised to protect electrical appliances. For emergencies, the 1784 hotline and local number 076-510098 were available, and assistance could also be requested via the Line account @1784DDPM.
Why the danger was so acute
Authorities explained that an intensive dry period before the rains had left the ground hard and impermeable, preventing water from seeping in quickly. This caused surface runoff and sudden, torrential flash floods in streams and streets with immense destructive force. Officials stressed that the warning was not alarmism but a necessary preparation for an extreme weather event.
What tourists needed to know
Tourists on Phuket and in other southern provinces were advised to reconsider outdoor activities. Hikes in national parks were described as potentially life-threatening, and beach days could be cancelled at short notice. Officials said flexibility and respect for the forces of nature were now vital, noting that Thai authorities were acting in a strongly preventive manner and that it was up to each individual to take the warnings seriously.