Bangkok: The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has issued a critical warning for 39 provinces in northern, northeastern, and central Thailand, urging them to brace for flash floods, torrential rains, and landslides. The department also highlighted the risk of strong winds and rough seas in three southern provinces: Ranong, Phang Nga, and Phuket.
According to Thai News Agency, the announcement follows a statement by Mr. Teerapat Khachamat, Director-General of the DDPM, who confirmed that the Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command (CDPMC) has been closely observing weather patterns and risk factors. The warning correlates with the Meteorological Department's forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall across upper Thailand from August 18 to 21, 2026, particularly impacting the North and Northeast regions.
The weather disturbance is attributed to a monsoon trough traversing northern and upper northeastern Thailand, along with a strong southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. From August 19 to 21, 2026, waves in the upper Andaman Sea are expected to reach heights of 2-3 meters, with even higher surges in stormy areas. Similar conditions are anticipated in the lower Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand.
The DDPM has outlined specific areas expected to face significant rainfall, which might lead to flash floods, landslides, mudslides, standing water, and strong winds from August 18 to 21, 2026. The 17 affected provinces in Northern Thailand include Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, and Uthai Thani. The Northeastern region will affect 15 provinces, including Loei, Nong Khai, and Ubon Ratchathani. The Central region includes seven provinces such as Kanchanaburi and Trat.
In the South, specific districts in Ranong, Phang Nga, and all districts in Phuket are under surveillance for strong winds and waves. The CDPMC has coordinated with local authorities and disaster prevention centers to monitor weather conditions, rainfall, and water levels. They have been instructed to deploy disaster relief teams with heavy machinery to vulnerable areas to provide timely assistance, especially where rainfall exceeds 90 millimeters in 24 hours.
Temporary shelters are being prepared for evacuees. For natural tourist sites like caves and waterfalls, preventive measures, including area closures, will be enforced if risks are detected. Additionally, the public and maritime operators are urged to heed safety warnings regarding strong winds and rough seas, with potential prohibitions on maritime transport if conditions worsen.
The DDPM emphasizes the necessity for residents in high-risk areas to stay informed through regular weather updates and official announcements to ensure their safety.