PATTAYA, Thailand – The Thai Meteorological Department has issued an update on Tropical Storm Fengshen, currently over the upper South China Sea. The storm is expected to make landfall in central Vietnam on Thursday (October 23), then weaken rapidly as a cold air mass from China spreads across northern Vietnam and the upper South China Sea.
While Thailand will not be directly affected, the system’s outer bands may cause thunderstorms and gusty winds in parts of northeastern and eastern Thailand between October 23–24.
The South will continue to face heavy to very heavy rain, especially in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, and Pattani, due to the monsoon trough and strong northeast monsoon over the Gulf of Thailand. Residents are urged to beware of flash floods, runoff, and waterlogging, while boat operators should proceed cautiously in areas with storms, where waves could exceed 2 meters.
In northern and northeastern Thailand, cooler mornings and strong winds are expected as high pressure from China moves in. Temperatures will drop by 1–3°C over the next few days, signaling the arrival of early winter weather.
According to environmental health expert Dr. Sonthi Kotchawat, Fengshen marks the last tropical storm of the rainy season, bringing widespread rainfall to the Northeast, East, and South before cool winds settle in around early November. The storm earlier hit the Philippines, leaving at least 7 dead and forcing 47,000 people to evacuate, before turning toward Vietnam and weakening.
7-Day Forecast Highlights (Oct 23–29):
Oct 23–24: Cooler weather in northern Thailand; scattered rain and wind in the Northeast and East.
Oct 25–29: Slightly warmer temperatures but cool mornings continue in the North and Northeast.
South: Persistent rain through Oct 26, easing afterward but with isolated heavy showers.
Seas: Waves 1–2 meters, higher in storm areas; caution advised for all vessels.
Advisory:
Residents in the upper regions should take care of their health due to changing temperatures. Those in the South should beware of flash floods and landslides, especially near foothills and riversides. Mariners in both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea should navigate with caution and avoid sailing in thunderstorm zones.
