PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand’s Interior Ministry has issued a nationwide alert as summer storms are expected to affect upper parts of the country between April 16–20, while millions of people continue their post-Songkran return journeys.
Interior Permanent Secretary Unsit Sampuntharat, who also serves as Deputy Commander of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command, instructed provincial governors in the Northeast, Central, and Northern regions to closely monitor weather conditions and prepare for rapidly changing risks.
According to the Meteorological Department, thunderstorms, strong winds, and isolated hailstorms are expected during this period. The weather system is forecast to begin in the Northeast before spreading to the East, eastern Central region, and Northern Thailand.
Officials said the conditions are driven by a high-pressure mass from China pushing down toward the South China Sea, strengthening monsoon winds over Thailand. At the same time, much of the country remains under extreme heat, increasing atmospheric instability.
Combined risks of storms, heat, and air pollution
Authorities also warned that Northern, Northeastern, and Upper Central Thailand continue to experience elevated levels of PM2.5 pollution due to ongoing wildfires and accumulated haze, worsened by limited air circulation.
- Provincial authorities have been instructed to:
- Monitor weather and issue timely public warnings
- Inspect buildings, billboards, trees, and infrastructure for storm safety
- Prepare emergency response teams and equipment
- Coordinate with agricultural agencies to warn farmers and protect livestock
Ongoing wildfire and haze control operations
Efforts to control forest fires and air pollution remain active, including strict burn bans, enforcement actions, aerial firefighting, and cloud seeding operations in affected regions.
Authorities say these measures are being carried out under continuous national directives to reduce environmental and health impacts.
Post-Songkran travel safety measures
As the final phase of the Songkran holiday period continues, large numbers of people are returning to Bangkok and other major cities.
The Ministry has set up roadside assistance points and community checkpoints operating 24 hours a day to support travelers. Emergency response teams are also on standby nationwide.
Drivers are urged to follow safety measures including avoiding drunk driving, taking adequate rest, and strictly obeying traffic laws.
Emergency assistance can be requested through the Disaster Prevention Hotline 1784, which operates 24 hours a day.
