Meteorological Department Issues Alert #5: Heavy Rainfall Warning, Flash Floods and Runoff Risk
Thailand's Meteorological Department warns of heavy rainfall and flash flooding across the country through May 18, with waves exceeding 3 meters expected in the Andaman Sea as a strengthening low-pressure system moves northward.
On May 15, 2025, the Thai Meteorological Department issued Alert #5 (65/2569) concerning heavy to very heavy rainfall throughout Thailand and strong winds in the Andaman Sea region, with impacts expected through May 18, 2025. The alert warns of increased rainfall and locally heavy to very heavy precipitation across the northern, central, northeastern, and southern regions. Residents are urged to be cautious of hazards from heavy rainfall and accumulated precipitation that may cause sudden flash flooding and flash runoff, particularly in hilly terrain near waterways and low-lying areas. The situation is caused by a strengthening low-pressure system in the lower Bay of Bengal moving northward, combined with intensifying southwest monsoon winds over the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand. Wave heights in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand are expected to increase significantly. Between May 15-18, 2025, the northern Andaman Sea from Phuket province northward will experience waves of 2-3 meters, exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. The lower Andaman Sea from Krabi province southward and the upper Gulf of Thailand will see waves around 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm zones. Fishermen are advised to navigate cautiously and avoid thunderstorm areas, while small boats in the northern Andaman Sea should remain ashore during this period. The public is encouraged to monitor updates from the Thai Meteorological Department via their website at http://www.tmd.go.th or by calling 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182, available 24 hours daily. The next alert is scheduled for May 15, 2025 at 5:00 PM.
