Southern Thailand girds for heavy rain, floods

Bangkok residents were seen navigating through floodwaters in an inflatable pool in the Lat Krabang district earlier this week. (EPA Images) In response to the anticipated heavier rainfall in southern Thailand, authorities are ramping up preparations and positioning personnel, machinery, and emergency resources for prompt deployment.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also oversees the national disaster command, disclosed that rainfall in the south is expected to intensify as the weather system moves into the region. He advised authorities to rely on weather forecasts to pinpoint areas in danger of flash floods, forest run-off, and landslides, ensuring that personnel, disaster-response machinery, and resources are prepared for immediate action.

A nationwide weather advisory was released yesterday, cautioning of heavy rain from October 5 to October 10 that could lead to flash floods and landslides in both northern and southern regions. Anutin directed the department of disaster prevention and mitigation to collaborate with provincial authorities, regional disaster prevention and mitigation centers, and pertinent agencies to monitor the situation continuously.

The department was tasked with ensuring that personnel, pumps, boats, and other emergency equipment are readied, while outlining plans for the deployment of additional resources and disaster-response machinery to the south. Southern Thailand, a popular tourist destination for Malaysians, welcomed over 3.5 million visitors from Malaysia in 2024.

The region suffered severely from flooding in November 2025, resulting in over 145 fatalities and affecting approximately 3.54 million individuals.