The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has waved the red flag for an alarming weather phenomenon expected to impact 52 provinces in Thailand over the course of five days. As of today, May 23, brace yourselves for a wild ride of unpredictable flash floods, ferocious forest run-off, sneaky landslides, and the classic threat of flooding due to what promises to be tumultuous skies.
Yesterday, the ever-vigilant Phaskorn Boonlaksm, steering the ship as director-general of the DDPM, disclosed that the Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Directorate is working in overdrive. They’re meticulously syncing their forecasts with insights from the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), revealing a brewing southwest monsoon with its steely eyes set on the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. This weather beast, bolstered by a sneaky monsoon trough creeping over northern and upper southern Thailand, hints at a rise in heavy rainfall.
The National Water Resources Office didn’t miss a beat in cranking up the vigilance level. Regions across Thailand, especially those with reservoirs dancing over the 80% capacity mark, are on high alert for flash floods, landslides, and urban chaos through puddles between May 23 and 27.
In Northern Thailand, steadfast regions such as Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, and Uthai Thani are compelled to stay sharp as hawks. Over in Northeast Thailand, people in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani need to prepare for Mother Nature’s shenanigans.
Traversing to Central Thailand sees Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Chanthaburi, Trat, and Phetchaburi caught under the same weather umbrella. The southern realms of the kingdom, starring Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Yala, Narathiwat, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Krabi, aren’t spared from the foreboding forecast either.
A particular eye must be kept on those medium and small reservoirs teetering over 80% capacity in locales like Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Nan, Phrae, Phayao, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Nong Khai, Sakon Nakhon, Chaiyaphum, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Sisaket, Ubon Ratchathani, Sa Kaeo, Chon Buri, Trat, and beyond. Their potential to spill over is as tempting as a coffee cup filled to the brim without a saucer.
Thankfully, the DDPM has coordinated a symphony of preparedness with provincial disaster prevention and mitigation centres swarming the vulnerable areas. Their game plan? Keep a hawk-eye on those relentless weather patterns, chase raindrops, and track water levels as if lives depend on it. Tourist hot spots with natural attractions, ready your barricades, and gear up for access restrictions where necessary. The 24-hour vigil is real.
Emergency machinery and Disaster Response Teams (ERT) stand ready like knights at the castle gate, poised to assist residents the moment nature decides to show its hand. Authorities urge provinces to paint the town in updates—inform locals on unfolding weather scenarios and ensure those in perilous spots have an earsplitting warning.
Residents in at-risk areas, treat government-issued weather alerts like sacred texts. You can download the THAI DISASTER ALERT app on iOS and Android, for a direct line to all things weather-related. The DDPM’s virtual presence on social media via Facebook and X @DDPMNews are not to be ignored. For those needing a reassuring word in times of crisis, salvation lies with the Line application DDPM Receive Alert 1784 (Line ID: @1784DDPM), or the 24-hour safety hotline 1784, promising a listening ear.
Today’s forecast from your trusty source? Stay dry, stay safe, and consider swapping those summer sandals for a sturdy pair of wellingtons. Nature is putting on her grand show, and we’re all invited to watch, from a safe distance, of course.
This is terrifying! Are we really prepared for such a massive weather event?
Unfortunately, I don’t think we’re ever fully prepared for such disasters, but it seems like the authorities are doing their best to warn people.
I hope you’re right! It’s just hard to have faith when so many lives are potentially at risk.
More often than not, these warnings cause unnecessary panic. The infrastructure in these areas is robust, and we’ve survived worse.
All these climate events are a clear sign that we need to take global warming seriously.
Absolutely agree! The environment is under severe threat, and it’s high time we realize it.
Indeed, every small action counts. Educating ourselves and others is critical.
I doubt climate change has anything to do with this. We’ve had monsoons since forever.
Suggestion: Let’s focus on practical solutions instead of blaming. Communities can start local climate action initiatives.
I’m traveling to Thailand soon. Should I be worried?
I would suggest closely monitoring weather updates and maybe considering changing your travel dates if possible.
Thanks, Elena. I think I’ll contact my travel agency for advice.
Thailand is beautiful during any season, just be cautious and follow local advisories.
We often blame the government for not doing enough but what about individual responsibility to stay informed and prepared?
This is all media hype. Events like these happen every year, nothing new.
What about the children? Schools need emergency plans too. Are they warned properly?
In my experience, schools are generally good at having disaster plans in place. It’s definitely important!
As a resident, I’d say we trust in the DDPM’s advice and seek shelter promptly when necessary.
Exactly, our community is used to dealing with harsh weather. It’s how we survive here.
This event could be a great case study on the effectiveness of disaster response mechanisms in Southeast Asia.
Hope the roads remain usable. I rely on my bike for everything.
Same concern here, man. Let’s hope the rain isn’t as bad as predicted.
Just another rainy season in Thailand. People need to chill.
I’m all for safety first. Better to be over-prepared than under.
Anyone have reliable data on past monsoon impacts to compare? Could help with prep.
Pack a floatie and some rubber ducks, you might need them!
Ha, thanks for the laugh in these serious times!
Expect power cuts. What are we doing about backup electricity?