Disaster Prevention Department Warns 54 Provinces of Flash Floods and Strong Winds May 14-18

On May 13, 2025, Theerapat Kachmart, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), announced that the Central Operations Command for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has been monitoring weather conditions. The Meteorological Department issued a forecast on May 13 at 5:00 AM warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall across Thailand and strong waves in the Andaman Sea from May 14-18, 2025. A strong low-pressure system over the lower Gulf of Bengal will move northward to cover the upper Gulf, while the southwest monsoon strengthens over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, creating significant wave heights of 2-3 meters in the Andaman Sea and 1-2 meters in the upper Gulf of Thailand, with waves exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorm areas.

Seventeen provinces in the North are under watch, including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, and Uthai Thani. In the Northeast, 12 provinces are monitored including Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani. The Central Region includes 11 provinces: Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and others. In the South, 14 provinces are at risk including Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun.

For strong wind warnings in the South, six provinces are affected: Ranong (Muang, Suksamran, and Kapoe districts), Phang Nga (Koh Yao, Takua Thung, Thai Mueang, Takua Pa, and Kuraburi districts), Phuket (all districts), Krabi (Muang, Khlong Thom, Koh Lanta, North Khlong, and Ao Luk districts), Trang (Kantang, Sikao, Palian, and Hat Samran districts), and Satun (Muang, La-ngu, Tha Pae, and Thung Wa districts). The DDPM has coordinated with all 54 provinces to prepare emergency response teams and equipment in high-risk areas, with orders to closely monitor weather conditions, rainfall volumes, and water levels. Staff have been instructed to set up rapid response teams and machinery in vulnerable zones. Tourist attractions, especially waterfalls and caves, should close immediately if conditions become dangerous.