BANGKOK, Thailand – The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has issued a nationwide severe weather alert for all provinces, including Bangkok, to prepare for flash floods, forest runoffs, and localized flooding. Authorities also warned of strong wind-wave conditions for six coastal provinces in Southern Thailand. On May 19, 2026, DDPM Director-General Theerapat Kachamat announced that a strong southwest monsoon sweeping across the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, combined with a low-pressure cell over the upper coast of Vietnam, has led to increased rainfall and heavy downpours across Thailand, especially in western border regions.
The disaster alert is effective from May 19 to 21, 2026. Flood and runoff surveillance covers 17 northern, 20 northeastern, 25 central, and 14 southern provinces. At the same time, maritime safety monitoring for high waves targets coastal districts in six southern provinces: Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. The DDPM has coordinated with provincial administrative units and regional disaster prevention centers to deploy emergency personnel to monitor weather updates and flood-prone areas around the clock. Disaster response machinery has been pre-positioned at strategic locations to speed up water drainage and provide immediate public assistance.
Local authorities have been instructed to closely monitor natural tourist destinations, such as caves and waterfalls, and to close them immediately if risks escalate. Coastal areas must install warning flags to prohibit swimming, and operators must navigate vessels with extreme caution or stay ashore during severe conditions. Authorities urged the public to keep up with updates through official government channels via the “THAI DISASTER ALERT” application or report emergencies to the 1784 hotline and the “@1784DDPM” Line account. (NNT)
