DDPM Warns of Heavy Rain and Floods in 16 Provinces
Thailand's disaster agency has issued a heavy rain and flood warning for 16 provinces across the central and southern regions from November 9-13. The alert covers popular tourist destinations including Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, and Surat Thani, with authorities on standby to respond to flash floods, landslides, and inundation around the clock.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has identified 16 central and southern provinces and warned of heavy to very heavy rain, flash floods, forest runoff, mudslides, and inundation from November 9-13.
On November 9, 2026, Niwat Phongsitthaworn, Director-General of the DDPM and commander of the Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Operations Center, revealed that the department has been monitoring weather conditions and risk factors. In coordination with the Thai Meteorological Department, which issued Announcement No. 1 (299/2026) on heavy to very heavy rain in the south, the forecast indicates continuous rain across southern Thailand from November 9-13, with heavy rain in many areas and very heavy rain in some places. This is due to a fairly strong high-pressure system or cold air mass from China covering upper Thailand and the South China Sea, causing easterly winds over Thailand and the Gulf to strengthen.
Areas to monitor for flash floods, forest runoff, mudslides, and inundation from November 9-13 are as follows: Central region (2 provinces): Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan. Southern region (14 provinces): Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Satun.
The Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Operations Center has coordinated with the 16 provinces in the central and southern regions, as well as Regional Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centers 4 (Prachuap Khiri Khan), 11 (Surat Thani), 12 (Songkhla), and 18 (Phuket), to prepare for heavy to very heavy rain in some areas that may cause hydro-meteorological disasters. They are to closely monitor weather, rainfall amounts, and water situations in their areas. If the situation trends toward severity or expands, they must deploy response teams with disaster equipment and vehicles to assist the public immediately, 24 hours a day.
Particularly in high-risk areas that have flooded repeatedly or still face disaster situations, authorities must expedite drainage at full capacity to minimize impact. For natural tourist attractions, especially waterfall caves and through-caves, if there is a risk of disaster, warnings must be issued and areas closed off. Agencies must also coordinate to prepare temporary shelters, food, drinking water, and necessities for evacuees.
If the public is affected or encounters disaster, they can report and request assistance via the DDPM Line "DDPM Reports 1784" (Line ID @1784DDPM) and the 1784 hotline, available 24 hours.
