Chiang Mai storm lasts over an hour as roads flood on Oct 5
Heavy rain on October 5 threatens to overwhelm drainage in Mae Rim, while Chiang Mai’s flood-prone communities require close monitoring.
- A thunderstorm with heavy rain and strong winds hit Chiang Mai city and Mae Rim district for over an hour on October 5.
- The sustained downpour caused flooding on several roads in Chiang Mai city, creating hazardous conditions for motorists.
- Authorities identified low-lying areas in both the city and Mae Rim district as being at high risk of flooding due to overwhelmed drainage systems.
- Officials were closely monitoring the at-risk communities and water levels in areas like Doi Suthep-Pui National Park.
Thunderstorms and gusty winds brought more than an hour of heavy rain to Chiang Mai city and Mae Rim district in northern Thailand on October 5, 2026, flooding several city roads and raising concerns over water accumulating in low-lying areas. The storm began at about 2pm, with heavy rain continuing beyond the first hour.
In Chiang Mai city, strong gusts set large trees swaying at about 2.30pm before sustained heavy rain left standing water on several roads. Motorists needed to exercise additional caution on the affected routes.
Mae Rim lowlands face flooding risks
Low-lying areas in Mae Rim district, including Chotana Road and parts of Don Kaeo subdistrict, required close monitoring because accumulated rainwater could overwhelm drainage systems and cause flooding.
Chiang Mai city’s Si Ping Mueang and Kad Kom communities also needed close attention. Both occupy low-lying areas that repeatedly experience flooding and are often affected before other neighbourhoods.
Rainfall and water conditions in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, along with low-lying areas beside rivers and streams, also required close monitoring as the downpour continued.
Further rain forecast for central, eastern and upper southern Thailand
The Thai Meteorological Department forecast continued rain in many areas on October 5–6, particularly in the Central region, the East and the upper South. Southern Thailand also needed to remain alert for heavy rain and high tides from October 5–10, according to the department’s briefing to the national flood-response meeting.
Anutin orders provinces to prepare evacuation shelters
Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul instructed all provinces to ready personnel, equipment, vehicles, evacuation routes and shelters during an 8am meeting on October 5, before the afternoon storm in Chiang Mai. Anutin also ordered particular care for vulnerable residents and continued assistance until everyone could return home safely.
Chiang Mai Governor Tossapol Phuenudom, Deputy Governor Siwakorn Buapong, government agency heads and other relevant officials joined the October 5 National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command meeting by video link from the POC meeting room on the third floor of Chiang Mai Provincial Hall. Anutin chaired the review of flooding, water management and assistance from Meeting Room 1 at the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
Anutin told provinces to coordinate with provincial administrative organisations and other local authorities to provide the necessary funding and facilities for evacuation centres, particularly toilets and effective cleaning. The prime minister also asked officials to consider additional pay for centre personnel as part of measures to reduce hygiene risks and the spread of disease.
In areas where floodwaters had receded, Anutin ordered immediate large-scale clean-ups, including rubbish collection, street washing and restoration work. The work should begin without waiting for floodwater to drain completely, so residents could resume normal life and use public spaces again.
Anutin orders faster payments under 4.7bn-baht flood relief allocation
Anutin called for progress in transferring flood relief during the week beginning October 5, with the government having allocated 4.7 billion baht and already transferred the funds to the Government Savings Bank. Relevant agencies were instructed to accelerate payments to affected residents.
Anutin ordered faster surveys and verification of affected households, with registration for assistance already open. Payments were to proceed as household information was verified, rather than wait for every affected area to complete its checks.
The Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning was also instructed to assess damage to homes in accordance with the applicable criteria as part of the government’s relief response.
Anutin required authorities to use a single, consistent set of weather forecasts, water-volume data and drainage information. Provincial authorities were to pass that information accurately to districts and communities to reduce confusion.
Chiang Mai provincial authorities said they would continue monitoring conditions closely and coordinating all relevant sectors to protect residents from natural disasters.
