PATTAYA, Thailand – Thailand’s Meteorological Department has issued its seventh severe weather warning, alerting the public to heavy to very heavy rainfall and dangerous sea conditions across large parts of the country. Forecasters warned that seven provinces face a high risk of severe weather today, including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Tak, Bueng Kan, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani. Another 30 provinces across all regions remain under moderate weather risk alerts.
The department said increasing southwest monsoon conditions over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand are expected to bring widespread thunderstorms and intensified rainfall over the next 24 hours, particularly in northern and northeastern provinces.
Authorities warned residents to remain alert for flash floods, forest runoff, and overflowing waterways, especially in low-lying areas and communities near hillsides and natural water channels.
The warning also extends to marine conditions, with strong winds and rough seas forecast in the upper Andaman Sea, where waves are expected to reach 2–3 meters and exceed 3 meters during thunderstorms. Waves in the lower Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand are expected at 1–2 meters, rising above 2 meters in storm areas.
Small boats in the upper Andaman Sea have been advised to remain ashore, while all vessels are urged to navigate with extreme caution and avoid thunderstorm zones. Looking ahead, the Meteorological Department forecasts continued heavy rain across Thailand from May 16–22, driven by strengthening monsoon systems and a strong low-pressure cell expected to develop over Myanmar and western Thailand between May 17–21. Officials warned that prolonged rainfall could trigger sudden flooding, landslides, and river overflows in several regions. Separately, authorities reported a magnitude-3.0 earthquake centered in Laos between May 15–16, though officials confirmed it had no impact on Thailand.
