Eastern and southern Thailand face flood risks despite easing rain
Rainfall is easing across much of Thailand, but isolated heavy to very heavy rain and flood hazards remain possible in several regions.
- Eastern and southern Thailand are identified as the regions remaining at high risk for flooding.
- The flood danger persists despite an overall easing of rain because the ground is already saturated from previous downpours.
- At-risk areas are specifically warned about flash floods from forest run-off and mudslides, even as rainfall declines.
- Isolated heavy to very heavy rain is still possible in the East and South due to the continuing influence of the monsoon trough.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) held a meeting on Sunday (September 13, 2026) to monitor and assess heavy to very heavy rain across Thailand, review weather trends and plan guidelines for issuing public warnings.
Natthawut Daendee, deputy director-general for technical affairs, chaired the meeting, joined by executives and officials from the department’s headquarters, regional meteorological centres and local weather stations nationwide.
Participants attended at the weather forecasting operations centre on the 11th floor of the 50 Years of Meteorology Building and online.
The meeting was an important part of efforts to monitor weather conditions on the final day of the period of monsoon impacts covered by the TMD warning.
It also assessed the regional outlook to support preparedness and the accurate dissemination of information to the public.
Latest outlook shows easing rain but vigilance continues
The department’s assessment found that rainfall was beginning to decline in several areas, prompting it to issue the final notice for this monsoon spell under the heading “Heavy to Very Heavy Rain in Thailand”.
Despite the overall easing, some regions still faced conditions that could bring accumulated rainfall and isolated heavy rain.
Meteorological analysis identified the following conditions requiring vigilance across Thailand on Sunday:
The East and the South remain high-risk areas, with isolated heavy to very heavy rain caused by the continuing influence of the monsoon trough and converging winds.
People in these areas are advised to exercise particular caution.
Overall rainfall has declined in the Northeast, Central region, Bangkok and surrounding provinces, but isolated heavy rain remains possible and could affect travel and traffic in major urban areas.
At-risk areas warned of flash floods and forest run-off
The TMD stressed that although the final notice had been issued, weather monitoring and assessment would continue.
Regional meteorological centres nationwide would maintain close surveillance and issue immediate warnings for areas under their responsibility if any unusual conditions emerged.
People in at-risk areas, particularly where rainfall has accumulated over several consecutive days, are urged to remain alert to sudden natural hazards, including:
- Low-lying areas in the Mekong River basin should be alert to water levels that could rise rapidly and overflow into riverbank areas.
- Foothill slopes near waterways are at risk of flash floods caused by forest run-off, as well as mudslides. These hazards can occur even as current rainfall eases because the ground is saturated.
- Low-lying areas and urban communities remain at risk of waterlogging and flash floods, particularly in locations with a history of repeated flooding.
Safety guidance for the public
To protect lives and property, the TMD asks people in at-risk areas to follow these recommendations:
- Avoid travelling along flooded routes, particularly at locations repeatedly affected by flooding, because the water may be deeper and the current stronger than it appears.
- Check the structural soundness of buildings and improve and prepare drainage systems around homes to prevent water from surging in.
- Monitor updates closely. Weather forecasts, warnings and real-time conditions are available around the clock through the TMD website or an official government weather application.
