BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s disaster agency issued a stark warning of flash floods, landslides, and dangerously rough seas across 43 provinces, effective immediately until July 3rd, due to a massive monsoon depression and strong southwest winds.
Monsoon Front Brings Heavy Rainfall
A monsoon trough lingering over the north and upper northeast is clashing with a strengthening southwest monsoon. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) forecasts severe to very severe rainfall, which could cause dangerous water level rises in a short period.
The central region and the west coast of Southern Thailand are expected to experience the heaviest precipitation. In the upper Andaman Sea, waves could reach heights of two to three meters.
43 Provinces on High Alert
DDPM Director-General Theerapat Kachamat has placed all affected disaster prevention teams on 24-hour standby. Twelve provinces in the north are under observation, including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, and Nan.
In the northeast, authorities are monitoring twelve provinces such as Loei, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai. The warning for the central region covers eleven areas, stretching from Kanchanaburi in the west to Trat on the southeastern Gulf coast.
South Coast: Whips of Waves and Swimming Bans
In the south, eight provinces along the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea are on alert. Chumphon, Surat Thani, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun face increased danger from flash floods and undercut slopes.
The disaster prevention agency is particularly monitoring four provinces on the Andaman Sea’s west coast due to strong winds and rough seas. In Ranong, the Muang, Suk Samran, and Kapoe districts are affected. In Phang Nga, the areas of Ko Yao, Takua Thung, Thai Mueang, Takua Pa, and Khura Buri are impacted. All districts on Phuket and the districts of Muang, Khlong Thom, Ko Lanta, Nuea Khlong, and Ao Luek in Krabi are also under close watch.
“Boats Immediately Secured”
All coastal authorities have been instructed to hoist highly visible warning signals and strictly enforce swimming bans. If conditions worsen, all boat traffic may be suspended.
The DDPM urges sailors and boat operators in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand to exercise extreme caution. With wave heights of two to three meters, even experienced fishermen face perilous conditions on any outing.
Tourist Attractions to Be Closed
Disaster management officials are taking a firm stance: natural tourist destinations such as caves, waterfalls, and canyons will be continuously monitored. As soon as an area is deemed dangerous, it will be immediately closed.
Authorities are preparing emergency shelters for evacuees, stocked with food, drinking water, and essential supplies, to ensure no one is left behind in case of an emergency.
Hotline 1784 and Warning App Activated
The public can access real-time information and request immediate assistance 24/7 through the “Thai Disaster Alert” app for iOS and Android. The official LINE account @1784DDPM and the hotline 1784 are also continuously available.
All disaster prevention centers in the high-risk provinces will remain on full alert until July 3rd. Theerapat Kachamat is urging provincial administrations to promptly implement any warnings from the weather service by issuing closures and initiating evacuations.