Policemen place barricades next to a large rock that fell during a landslide caused by heavy rain in the Patong municipality of Kathu district, Phuket province, on Wednesday. (Photo: Patong police station)
Buckle up, Thailand! Weather aficionados, intrigue-seekers, and casual readers, gather ’round for the latest meteorological mayhem. A depression, poised to evolve into a full-fledged tropical storm, is racing towards Vietnam, packing wind speeds of 55 kilometers per hour. This atmospheric ruckus, located about 300km northeast of Vietnam’s Quang Tri province, is set to make landfall on Thursday or Friday. Our trusty meteorological soothsayer, Director-General Kornrawee Sitthichivapak, predicts a parade of pluvial pandemonium until the final curtain drops on Monday.
In detail: this tropical tempest is zipping west at 20km per hour and is forecast to smash into central Vietnam. Lamentably for those hoping for a quick dissipations as the storm will host a monsoon trough party, dragging yet more rain and wind to northern, northeastern, central, and southern Thailand. Pre-warnings include: grab your raincoats and keep an ear out for flash flood alerts, as forecasts predict potential runoff rampages.
So, where’s Mother Nature unleashing her fury?
Thursday’s Splash Zones:
- Northeast: Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani
- East: Chanthaburi and Trat
- South: Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Ranong, Phangnga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun
Friday’s Flood Artists:
- North: Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phichit, and Phetchabun
- Northeast: Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani
- Central Plains: Nakhon Sawan, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, and Greater Bangkok
- East: Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, and Trat
- South: Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Ranong, Phangnga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun
Saturday’s Wet Blanket Areas:
- North: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun
- Northeast: Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, and Nakhon Ratchasima
- Central Plains: Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Greater Bangkok
- East: Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat
- South: Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Ranong, Phangnga, Phuket, and Krabi
Sunday and Monday’s Liquid Assault:
- North: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun
- Northeast: Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani
- Central Plains: Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, and Greater Bangkok.
Finally, to all mariners: heed the call of caution. The Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are scheduled to host heavy rains and high waves until Sunday. It’s prime time to keep your boats at bay and enjoy some well-deserved shore leave!
This feels like a repeat of last year’s storms. Are we prepared any better this time?
It’s not just the government; people also need to be responsible and listen to the warnings.
Easier said than done. Some areas have no proper shelter or infrastructure for floods.
True. We can’t blame just one side; it’s a combination of factors.
Government needs to prioritize flood prevention. No more excuses.
At least the warnings are clear this time. We have days to prepare.
Does anyone really take these warnings seriously? Most people ignore until it’s too late.
Farmers always get hit the hardest. What about us?
Absolutely. Crops will be destroyed, leading to higher prices and shortage.
This leads to a bigger issue—why isn’t there a better support system for farmers during natural disasters?
Farmers should look into crop insurance. Any protection is better than none.
Crop insurance isn’t available everywhere, and it’s not always enough to cover the losses.
The government should provide subsidies and more robust disaster relief measures for the agricultural sector.
Will travel to Thailand be affected? I have a trip planned next week.
You better cancel. It’s not safe to be traveling during such weather conditions.
Check with your airline and stay updated on local weather alerts. Plans can change last minute.
Good point, I’ll look up more information before deciding.
People should stock up on essentials and stay indoors. Safety first.
Climate change is making these storms more frequent and severe. We need to wake up!
Blaming climate change is an easy way out. Immediate action and better policies are needed.
Immediate action includes addressing climate change! It’s all connected.
Both of you are right to some extent. We need better policies and to address long-term climate issues.
Any advice on how to help those affected by flooding?
Local charities and volunteer groups often need manpower and donations.
Donating to reputable NGOs focused on disaster relief can also make a difference.
Flash floods are scary! Got caught in one in 2018. Stay safe, everyone.
Why does it seem like the same regions get hit over and over again? Are our weather prediction systems failing?
Some regions are geographically prone to heavy rain and floods. It’s not about failure in prediction but natural vulnerability.
Makes sense. Still, better infrastructure could mitigate the damage.
Agree. Instead of just predicting, we should be investing in better infrastructure to withstand these events.
Heard it’s going to be rough for mariners. My cousin’s a fisherman; they’re anchoring down till this passes.
Hope they stay safe. It’s not worth the risk to go out during such storms.
Thanks, they’re following all precautions.
The government should compensate them for the days they can’t work due to natural calamities.
Phuket is always getting battered. How do the locals cope?
Resilience. Community spirit and preparation go a long way.
Phuket might be famous for its beaches, but the environmental impact of these repeated storms is devastating. We need to rethink coastal city designs.
Agreed. Sustainable and resilient city planning is crucial for future survival.
The Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand are no-go zones for now. Stay safe, people!
I work in emergency services. Prepping for the worst but hoping for the best.