DDPM warns 35 provinces and Bangkok of flood risk Oct 18–25

Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has alerted 35 provinces and Bangkok to possible flash floods, landslides and waterlogging from October 18 to 25, 2026, as heavy to very heavy rain is forecast across several regions. DDPM director-general Nirat Pongsitthaworn said authorities had been instructed to prepare emergency response teams and equipment.

The warning follows the Thai Meteorological Department’s (TMD) first advisory, No. 260/2026, issued at 5am on October 17, warning of widespread heavy rainfall and the possibility of severe weather during the eight-day period.

Nirat explained that the Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command had been monitoring weather conditions and assessing potential risks before coordinating preparedness measures with provincial authorities and regional disaster response centres.

Heavy rain to spread from South and East towards Bangkok

The TMD forecast two periods of heavy rainfall affecting different parts of Thailand.

October 18–20: Persistent rain and isolated heavy to very heavy downpours are expected in the South and East.

October 21–25: Rainfall is expected to intensify across the lower Northeast, Central region, Bangkok and surrounding provinces, the East and upper South, with isolated heavy to very heavy rain and strong wind gusts.

The changing conditions are associated with a monsoon trough initially extending across the lower South, together with the southwest monsoon covering the lower Andaman Sea.

The monsoon trough is subsequently expected to shift northwards across the upper South, upper Gulf of Thailand and East.

Meanwhile, a high-pressure system or cold air mass from China is forecast to extend over the upper North, upper Northeast and South China Sea.

The combination could bring persistent heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of flash floods, forest run-off, landslides, standing floodwater and damage from strong winds.

Bangkok and 35 provinces identified as flood-risk areas

The DDPM identified 35 provinces and Bangkok as areas requiring close monitoring for heavy rainfall and possible flooding during October 18–25.

The provinces are grouped as follows:

• Northeast, three provinces: Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram and Ubon Ratchathani.
• Central and eastern areas, 18 provinces: Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram and Samut Prakan.
• South, 14 provinces: Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun.

Bangkok is also included in the warning, particularly as rainfall is expected to increase across the capital and neighbouring provinces during October 21–25.

The DDPM warned that areas prone to repeated flooding, low-lying communities and locations already experiencing floods would require particular attention.

Waves may exceed three metres during thunderstorms

The DDPM also warned of hazardous sea conditions in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand.

Waves could exceed three metres in areas affected by thunderstorms, posing risks to maritime activities.

The warning forms part of the broader severe-weather outlook, which also includes strong wind gusts in some inland and coastal areas.

Authorities ordered to prepare emergency teams and shelters

The Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command, through the DDPM, has coordinated with the 35 provinces, Bangkok and regional disaster prevention and mitigation centres to strengthen preparations for possible flooding.

Nirat instructed authorities to monitor weather forecasts, rainfall accumulation and local water conditions closely.

If flooding becomes more severe or spreads to additional areas, emergency response teams must be ready to deploy disaster-relief machinery, operational vehicles and personnel to assist affected communities around the clock.

Local authorities have also been directed to accelerate drainage operations in areas frequently affected by flooding and locations where floodwater remains, aiming to minimise further damage.

Special precautions will apply to natural tourist attractions, particularly caves and waterfall areas.

Where hazardous conditions develop, responsible agencies must issue warnings and restrict public access to prevent injuries or fatalities.

Authorities have also been told to coordinate the preparation of temporary evacuation shelters, food, drinking water and essential supplies for residents who may need to leave their homes.

Residents advised to monitor warnings and take precautions

Nirat urged residents, particularly those living in flood-prone areas, to follow official weather forecasts and disaster warnings closely throughout the October 18–25 period.

Households should inspect homes and other buildings to ensure they are structurally secure before severe weather arrives.

Residents should avoid open areas, large trees, billboards and unstable structures during storms because of the danger from falling objects.

The DDPM also warned the public to remain alert to lightning during thunderstorms.

Farmers were advised to reinforce trees and install protective supports or shelters where necessary to reduce damage to agricultural crops.

People affected by flooding or other weather-related disasters can report incidents and request assistance through the following channels:

• DDPM emergency hotline: 1784, available 24 hours a day.
• LINE official account: ปภ.รับแจ้งเหตุ 1784
• LINE ID: @1784DDPM

The DDPM urged people in at-risk areas to follow official instructions and remain prepared as heavy rainfall continues across Thailand.