BANGKOK, Thailand – The Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) has warned that Thailand could face Super El Niño conditions later this year, with nationwide rainfall expected to be 10-15% below the seasonal average. Authorities are urging the public to prepare for both drought and localized flooding in the coming months. Deputy Secretary-General Paitoon Kengkarnchang said the weather pattern could develop between October and December, bringing drier conditions across much of the country. He added that most tropical storms are expected to track toward China, South Korea, and Japan instead of Thailand, reducing overall rainfall. However, monsoon troughs could still trigger localized heavy rain, raising the risk of flash floods, rapid runoff, and landslides in parts of the North, Northeast, East, and South.
The government has instructed relevant agencies to prepare for possible flooding by deploying personnel, readying machinery and equipment, and improving early warning systems to support rapid emergency response. Paitoon noted that reservoir levels remain sufficient to meet domestic water demand but urged farmers, especially those outside irrigated areas, to use water carefully, plan crop cultivation, and store adequate supplies ahead of the expected dry season from October 2026 through April 2027.
