Disaster Prevention Department Alerts All Provinces and Bangkok to Monitor Flash Floods and Flooding; Southern 6 Provinces on Alert for Strong Waves May 19-21
Authorities issued alerts across Thailand on May 19 for flash floods and heavy rainfall, with six southern provinces including Phuket and Krabi warned of strong waves through May 21 as monsoon rains intensify.
The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department has instructed all provinces and Bangkok to monitor flash floods, sudden flooding, and water accumulation, with six southern provinces on high alert for strong waves between May 19-21. Department Director Theerapat Katchamat announced on May 19 that the Central Operations Command is actively tracking weather patterns and risk factors. The Meteorological Department issued alert No. 12 (72/2569) on May 18 at 5 p.m., warning of increased rainfall and heavy to very heavy precipitation across Thailand's western regions, including the North, Northeast, Central, and Western Southern Thailand, due to a strong southwest monsoon affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, combined with a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam. Areas at risk include 17 northern provinces, 20 northeastern provinces, 25 central provinces, and 14 southern provinces, with six southern provinces—Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun—specifically on alert for strong waves in designated districts. The department has coordinated with all provinces and regional disaster prevention centers to prepare for increased rainfall and potential flooding by assigning weather monitoring teams, positioning emergency response crews and equipment in high-risk areas, and closing natural attractions like waterfalls and caves if hazards arise.
