Thailand warns of heavy rain in East and South ahead of October 27–31 high tides

Thailand’s disaster authorities have warned of continued heavy to very heavy rain in parts of the East and South, while advising coastal areas to monitor water levels ahead of another period of high tides from October 27–31.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) said on Thursday, October 22, that it was monitoring rainfall, reservoir storage and tidal conditions as part of its daily disaster assessment, according to Nation Thailand. Flooding was continuing in some communities along the Tha Chin River in Suphan Buri and Nakhon Pathom.

The Thai Meteorological Department also forecast continued rain in the East and South, with heavy falls in some locations. Thunderstorms and isolated gusty winds were possible in the lower North, lower Northeast and Central region, including Bangkok and surrounding provinces.

Rain warning extends through October 25

The latest assessment follows a Meteorological Department warning issued at 5pm on October 20, which forecast continuing rain across the South from October 21–25, with heavy to very heavy falls in some areas.

That advisory, reported by Pattaya Mail, also forecast increasing rainfall in the lower Northeast, lower Central region, upper South, East and Bangkok metropolitan area. Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat were among the eastern provinces identified during the warning period, with Rayong and Chanthaburi listed for October 23.

Authorities warned that prolonged and accumulated rainfall could trigger flash floods, forest run-off and landslides, particularly on hillsides near waterways and in low-lying areas.

For the immediate outlook on October 22, Bangkok and surrounding provinces were expected to have light evening rain. Parts of the East and the South’s western coast could see moderate to heavy rain from the afternoon into the evening.

River flooding and high reservoir levels

The Tha Chin River remained above its banks in parts of Suphan Buri and Nakhon Pathom. Low-lying communities outside flood barriers and riverside areas continued to be affected.

Large and medium-sized reservoirs nationwide held more than 84% of their combined capacity, leaving about 12.36 billion cubic metres of storage available, the DDPM reported.

Srinagarind Dam was at 99% of capacity and Vajiralongkorn Dam at 98%. Naruebodindrachinta and Thap Salao were each at 97%. Nong Pla Lai and Kaeng Krachan were holding water above their stated storage capacity and required continued monitoring.

The DDPM also advised relevant areas to watch water levels closely during the high-tide period from October 27–31.

Travel precautions and emergency contacts

Residents and visitors travelling in affected areas have been advised to follow weather updates, plan journeys carefully and avoid routes prone to repeated flooding.

The October 20 weather advisory warned that waves in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand could exceed three metres in thunderstorms. Boat operators were advised to navigate cautiously and avoid sailing through thunderstorms.

Weather updates are available through the Thai Meteorological Department at www.tmd.go.th or its 24-hour hotline, 1182. People affected by disasters can contact the DDPM’s safety hotline on 1784 around the clock.