Meteorological Department Issues Alert No. 12: Heavy Rain Warning for 55 Provinces
Thailand's Meteorological Department warns of heavy to very heavy rain across 55 provinces through May 21, with flash flooding risks in hillside and low-lying areas as the southwestern monsoon intensifies.
On May 18, 2569, the Thai Meteorological Department issued alert No. 12 (72/2569) regarding heavy to very heavy rainfall across Thailand and strong winds in the Andaman Sea, with continued impact through May 21, 2569. Upper Thailand will experience heavy rain in parts of the Northern, upper Northeastern, and Central regions, with very heavy rainfall in some areas of the western and eastern coasts of Southern Thailand. Residents should beware of dangers from heavy rainfall accumulation, which may cause flash floods and flash flooding, especially in hillside areas near water channels and low-lying areas. The southwestern monsoon affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand is fairly strong. People should also monitor their health during weather changes. Andaman Sea and Gulf waves are moderately to fairly strong, with the upper Andaman Sea from Phuket northward experiencing 2-3 meter waves, and over 3 meters during thunderstorms. The lower Andaman Sea from Krabi southward and upper Gulf of Thailand will see approximately 2-meter waves, exceeding 2 meters during thunderstorms. Fishermen are advised to navigate cautiously and avoid thunderstorm areas, while small boats in the upper Andaman should remain ashore. Heavy rainfall is expected to increase from May 19-21, 2569, with very heavy rainfall in many areas, particularly on the western side of the country in the Northern, upper Northeastern, Central, Eastern, and western Southern regions, due to the strong southwestern monsoon and a low-pressure system over the coast of upper Vietnam. The public is urged to monitor announcements from the Meteorological Department via www.tmd.go.th, by phone at 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182, available 24 hours daily.
