BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s government has issued flood alerts for 28 provinces as relentless monsoon rains threaten to inundate both urban and rural areas. Officials warned that the situation could worsen in the coming days, particularly in the capital Bangkok and in Samut Prakan, where drainage systems are under strain.
Monsoon system moves across the region
According to Sugunyanee Yavinchan, Director-General of the Meteorological Department, a strong low-pressure cell was moving from the Vietnamese coast through Thailand’s central and southern regions via the monsoon trough from Wednesday to Sunday. The pattern was expected to bring widespread heavy rainfall.
Yavinchan cautioned that
“CHANGEABLE WEATHER WITH MORE RAIN AND ISOLATED HEAVY DOWNPOURS IS EXPECTED ACROSS THE NORTHEAST, EAST, CENTRAL REGION INCLUDING BANGKOK, AS WELL AS THE NORTH AND UPPER SOUTH.”
Authorities warned that flash floods and rapid rises in river levels could occur where water levels were already high.
High-risk provinces and vulnerable zones
The National Water Resources Office released a detailed list of the areas most at risk. Northern provinces such as Chiang Mai, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Nakhon Sawan, Phetchabun, and Uthai Thani were placed under alert. In the northeast, warnings covered Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, and Surin.
Eastern provinces including Chachoengsao, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat were also on the list. Authorities said these areas faced particular danger from sudden flooding following intense rainfall.
Bangkok and Samut Prakan were highlighted as critical zones due to chronic drainage bottlenecks. Low-lying neighbourhoods along the Chao Phraya River have been placed on high alert.
Reservoirs at capacity, floods ongoing
In the south, pressure was growing around reservoirs in Surat Thani, which had already reached capacity and risked overflowing. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported ongoing floods in 15 provinces, nine of them in the central plains.
While water levels were said to be decreasing in 12 provinces, officials described conditions in Chai Nat, Nakhon Pathom, and Udon Thani as still “critically high.” Residents were urged to move valuables to upper floors and keep emergency supplies ready in case of evacuation.
Outlook for the coming days
Forecasters predicted that from the west, provinces such as Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan would see significant downpours, while from the south, heavy rain was expected in Ranong, Chumphon, Phuket, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Experts warned of potential landslides and flash floods in hilly terrain. The central government has placed all disaster-response agencies on standby.
“THE NEXT FEW DAYS WILL DETERMINE WHETHER CURRENT PROTECTIVE MEASURES CAN WITHSTAND THE SEASON’S INTENSE RAINFALL,”
an official statement said.
Government preparedness under scrutiny
The annual monsoon season regularly brings flooding to parts of Thailand, yet this year’s combination of saturated ground and full reservoirs has heightened concern. Officials urged continued vigilance as weather systems evolve. For many communities already struggling with high water levels, the coming week will test both local readiness and national emergency planning.
• 28 provinces remain under active flood warning
• 15 provinces already affected by ongoing flooding
• Relief agencies on full alert through the weekend
• Residents advised to secure valuables and stay informed