BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s weather agency warned that the south faced days of torrential rain while a cold wave from China sent temperatures tumbling in the north.
Southern provinces warned of days of heavy rain
From Thursday, a new rain front was forecast to sweep into the south of Thailand, initially affecting Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon. By the weekend, the deep south, including Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, was expected to face persistent, heavy rainfall. Downpours were predicted to last until next Tuesday, with an extremely high risk of flash floods and widespread flooding.
Monsoon winds driving storms and high seas
The turbulent conditions were blamed on strong north-easterly monsoon winds blowing over the Gulf of Thailand and the southern mainland. These winds were set to deliver not only intense rain but also dangerous seas, with waves in the gulf and the Andaman Sea rising to about three metres. Authorities strongly warned small boats to remain in port, saying that putting to sea during the storm would be life‑threatening.
Northern chill as temperatures drop sharply
While the south braced for flooding, northern regions were expected to turn markedly colder from Thursday to Saturday. A high-pressure system over China was pushing cold air into Thailand, causing temperatures to fall by 2–4°C. Strong, gusty winds were forecast to intensify the chill, prompting advice for residents to bring out their warmest clothing.
Disaster agency urges vigilance over floods and landslides
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation issued a warning to residents and travellers in high‑risk areas, noting that large volumes of water could accumulate rapidly. Areas near hillsides and waterways were described as particularly vulnerable, with sudden flash floods and landslides possible. The agency advised people to stock up on supplies and stay familiar with evacuation routes, as soils remained fully saturated after the devastating floods of recent weeks.
Water levels easing but new rains threaten recovery
Officials reported a small improvement in some southern provinces that had already been inundated, where water levels began to recede on Monday. However, the approaching rain front threatened to undo painstaking cleanup work in those communities. Residents in the south were told to expect a fresh ordeal before the previous one had fully passed.
Guidance for tourists and local residents
For travellers heading south, authorities recommended maintaining flexibility in travel plans.
“Trips to the sea or hikes in national parks should be rescheduled,”
said officials, warning of hazardous conditions in coastal and mountainous areas. Locals were urged to check gutters and drains and to secure important documents, with memories of recent floods still vivid.
A country caught in a weather ‘pincer movement’
Thailand now faced what officials described as a weather‑driven pincer movement, with one part of the country battling water while another braced against the cold.
“Thailand is facing a weather‑related pincer movement. While one part of the country is struggling, the other has to wrap up warm. Nature is once again showing its power,”
said meteorological authorities.