PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand’s Meteorological Department has updated the track of Typhoon Bavi, warning that while the powerful storm is not expected to make landfall in Thailand, it will strengthen the southwest monsoon and bring heavier rain and rougher seas across many parts of the country from 10–12 July. According to the department, Typhoon Bavi was located east of Luzon Island in the western Pacific on Thursday, with maximum sustained winds near its center reaching 157 kilometers per hour. Forecasters expect the storm to pass over or near Taiwan before making landfall along the eastern coast of Fujian Province, China, between 11 and 12 July. The storm’s center is not forecast to move into Thailand.
Although Thailand will avoid a direct hit, the typhoon is expected to intensify the southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, the Gulf of Thailand and much of the country, increasing the likelihood of widespread rainfall and rough seas. Waves are forecast to reach 2–4 meters, particularly during squalls, prompting warnings for small boats and marine operators to exercise extreme caution. The Meteorological Department also advised travellers heading to Taiwan or eastern China to closely monitor weather conditions and check with airlines before departure, as severe weather could cause flight delays, cancellations or route adjustments between 10 and 12 July.
Airlines operating routes through Taiwan and eastern China have been urged to remain on high alert as the storm approaches. For Thailand, officials are warning residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant for heavy rainfall, flash floods and runoff, while fishermen and tourism operators along both the Andaman coast and the Gulf of Thailand are advised to closely follow marine weather forecasts before heading to sea. In Pattaya and along Thailand’s eastern seaboard, authorities are also urging beachgoers, boat operators and tourists to exercise caution as stronger winds and higher waves may affect ferry services and recreational activities, even though the typhoon itself is expected to remain well away from the country.
