Thailand alerts 11 southern provinces to heavy rain and floods

Thailand has issued a weather warning for 11 southern provinces, urging residents to prepare for heavy to very heavy rain and gusty winds from November 8–13, 2026, as prolonged rainfall raises the risk of flash floods, rapid run-off, overflowing rivers and landslides.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan announced the alert on Sunday (November 8), as southern Thailand entered the monsoon season, bringing persistent rainfall and heavy downpours in some areas.

The government has instructed agencies to strengthen flood monitoring, prepare emergency equipment and coordinate assistance for communities at risk.

Eleven provinces identified as high-risk areas

The government has urged residents in the following 11 provinces to monitor weather conditions and official alerts closely:

• Prachuap Khiri Khan
• Chumphon
• Surat Thani
• Nakhon Si Thammarat
• Phatthalung
• Songkhla
• Pattani
• Yala
• Narathiwat
• Trang
• Satun

Ploythalay highlighted the danger of accumulating rainfall, which could trigger flash floods and rapid run-off from mountainous areas, particularly near waterways and on hillsides.

Low-lying communities also face the possibility of rivers overflowing their banks, while residents near steep slopes have been urged to remain alert for signs of landslides and mudslides.

The government has advised people in affected areas to follow updates from the Thai Meteorological Department and other official warning channels.

Reservoir levels monitored as rainfall increases

The government has also released updated reservoir figures, indicating that major dams in southern Thailand retain some capacity to accommodate additional inflows.

The latest figures are:

• Reservoirs nationwide: 66,280 million cubic metres of water, equivalent to 82% of total storage capacity.
• Usable water nationwide: 42,150 million cubic metres, reported as 74% of usable storage capacity.
• Reservoirs in southern Thailand: 5,442 million cubic metres, or 69% of total regional storage capacity.
• Ratchaprapha Dam, Surat Thani: 4,235 million cubic metres, or 75% of capacity.
• Bang Lang Dam, Yala: 773 million cubic metres, or 53% of capacity.

Although the figures indicate that the southern reservoirs can hold more water, authorities have been instructed to monitor inflows and manage water releases carefully.

Particular attention will be paid to downstream communities, where dam discharges combined with sustained rainfall could increase flood risks.

Emergency teams and flood equipment placed on standby

Ploythalay reported that the prime minister had instructed relevant government agencies to prepare for possible flooding and landslides across the South.

Officials have been directed to establish teams to monitor conditions around the clock and provide immediate assistance if emergencies occur.

Government agencies must also coordinate their resources, including disaster-response machinery, rescue equipment and water pumps, and position them in vulnerable areas.

The government is additionally accelerating work on a disaster insurance system for southern Thailand, intended to support faster compensation and recovery following natural disasters.

“The government is concerned about people in the South, which is now in the monsoon season and often faces flash floods, rapid run-off and overflowing rivers,” Ploythalay stated.

She added that the prime minister had instructed agencies to make full use of available personnel, equipment and other resources to minimise the effects of flooding on people's lives and property.

Residents advised to prepare for possible flooding

The government has issued the following precautionary advice for residents in the 11 provinces:

• Move belongings to higher ground: Keep household items, vehicles and pets in places unlikely to be affected by floodwater.
• Check electrical systems: Disconnect electricity supplies in areas at risk of inundation to reduce the danger of electric shock.
• Prepare emergency supplies: Keep drinking water, non-perishable food, medicines, torches and other essential items ready.
• Watch for natural warning signs: Residents near hillsides and streams should monitor changes in water colour and unusual sounds of shifting earth. If signs of danger appear, they should evacuate immediately to a safer area.
• Follow official information: Monitor public-address announcements, local warning systems and government emergency-alert applications.

The government has emphasised that residents should remain vigilant throughout the period of heavy rainfall, while emergency services maintain readiness to respond to flooding and landslides.