PATTAYA, Thailand – The Thai Meteorological Department has warned that summer storms are expected to affect several regions of Thailand, including the eastern provinces, bringing thunderstorms, strong winds and possible lightning in some areas over the next 24 hours.
According to the latest forecast issued on March 5, unstable weather conditions are developing as a high-pressure system from China spreads across the upper northeastern region and the South China Sea. At the same time, southerly and southeasterly winds are drawing moisture from the sea into eastern Thailand and the upper Gulf of Thailand, while much of the country continues to experience hot daytime temperatures.
For eastern provinces — including areas near Pattaya in Chonburi Province — thunderstorms are expected in about 30 percent of the region, with the possibility of strong gusts in some locations.
Temperatures in the eastern region are forecast to range between 24–28°C in the morning and 32–38°C during the day, with southerly winds blowing at 10–30 km/h. Sea conditions are expected to remain relatively calm, with waves below one metre, although waves could exceed one metre in areas experiencing thunderstorms.
Despite the heat, Pattaya’s beachfront areas remain lively with tourists, many of them families enjoying the school holiday period. Along the busy seaside stretch of Pattaya Beach Road, visitors often hop onto the city’s famous open-air baht buses, which double as both transport and a welcome way to catch a cooling breeze while travelling between beaches, shopping areas and restaurants.
Authorities have advised residents and visitors to remain cautious during storm conditions, avoiding open areas, large trees and unstable structures such as billboards. Sudden gusts of wind and lightning are possible during storm activity.
Farmers in affected regions have also been urged to reinforce fruit trees and take steps to protect crops and livestock from potential storm damage.
Elsewhere in Thailand, thunderstorms are expected across parts of the northeast, north and central regions, while southern Thailand will see isolated rain due to seasonal winds over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
Air quality levels in the north, northeast and upper central regions remain moderate to relatively high due to weak air circulation allowing dust and haze to accumulate.
For coastal cities like Pattaya, the forecast means beachgoers and tourism operators may experience brief periods of stormy weather, though the conditions are typical of Thailand’s transition toward the hot-season storm pattern.
