PATTAYA, Thailand – More than an hour of torrential rain and thunderstorms sent floodwater rushing through Pattaya early on September 24, with water reaching more than 1 meter in some areas, sweeping motorcycles and belongings into the streets and leaving residents struggling to get to safety. The heavy rain began around 1:26 a.m. and continued for more than an hour, quickly overwhelming roads across the city. Floodwater reached around 50 centimeters in many locations and rose to about 1 meter in some of Pattaya’s recurring flood hotspots.
Affected areas included Third Road near the old Moom Aroi intersection, the railway road around Khao Noi and Khao Talo, South Pattaya, Sukhumvit Road, Central Pattaya, Beach Road, Soi Buakhao and Soi Wat Boonsamphan. With rain continuing, water became too deep for motorcycles and small cars to pass safely in several locations. Some residents and shop owners were unable to move their belongings before the water rose.
Motorcycles parked along the roads were knocked over and swept by the current, while household goods and rubbish were carried through the flooded streets before becoming lodged against walls, utility poles and parked vehicles. Pattaya City officials were deployed to flooded areas to assist residents and provide information, while locals worked together to move motorcycles and belongings to higher ground despite the continuing rain.
Some motorists who attempted to drive through the floodwater were left stranded when their vehicles stalled. In some cases, passengers had to climb out of vehicles to reach safety. Residents caught in areas where the water rose rapidly faced an even more difficult escape, with some forced to wade through currents reaching almost chest height.
The Thai Meteorological Department had already forecast heavy to very heavy rain in parts of the country from September 24–27, with the Eastern region among the areas facing heightened rainfall. The weather pattern is linked to a strong low-pressure system moving across mainland Southeast Asia and a strengthening southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand.
Once the rain stops, floodwater is expected to gradually drain. However, the aftermath could leave residents dealing with damaged vehicles, water-soaked belongings and rubbish scattered across roads and properties. The latest flooding again highlights the problems faced by Pattaya’s low-lying areas when prolonged heavy rain overwhelms drainage capacity.
