Thailand Braces for Heavy Rain and Flooding Sept 23-27

The Thai Meteorological Department issued its first warning on September 21 of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall affecting Thailand from September 23-27, 2025. The North, Lower Northeast, Central Region including Bangkok and vicinity, East, and South regions will experience heavy rain in many areas, with extremely heavy rain in some locations. The pattern begins in the Lower Northeast and East, spreading to other regions later. A strong low-pressure trough off central Vietnam will move to cover the Lower Northeast, East, and Central regions, following a monsoon trough across northern Thailand, while the southwest monsoon intensifies over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. People nationwide should prepare for dangers from heavy, continuous rainfall that could cause flash floods and flash flooding, especially in foothill areas near water channels and low-lying zones. Avoid routes with repeated flooding problems, particularly low areas where water may pool briefly. Waves in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand will strengthen; the upper Gulf will have waves 2-3 meters high, above 3 meters during thunderstorms. The lower Gulf and upper Andaman will have waves around 2 meters, above 2 meters during thunderstorms. Fishermen should proceed cautiously and avoid thunderstorm areas. Small boats in the upper Gulf should remain ashore from September 23-27. People should plan activities and travel carefully during this period. Updates are available at the Thai Meteorological Department website (http://www.tmd.go.th) or by calling 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182, available 24 hours. The next warning will be issued September 22 at 05:00 a.m. Affected provinces include Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani (Lower Northeast); Chanthaburi and Trat (East); and Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Ranong, and Phang Nga (South), among others.