Torrential Downpours Flood Two Regions

In recent days, several provinces across Thailand have been hit by heavy rain and subsequent flooding, causing disruptions and affecting thousands of residents.

The Meteorological Department has forecast more rain for 41 other provinces, including Bangkok, in the coming days. This news comes as runoff from Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, and Kamphaeng Phet surged downstream, causing widespread flooding in Sam Ngam district.

Heavy rain has left parts of Phichit and Phuket underwater. In Phichit, the Yom River burst its banks on Friday, while in Phuket, the flooding was aggravated by seawater backing up into drainage canals. More than 300 rai of rice fields were inundated in tambon Rang Nok, and another 71 rai of paddy in nearby Pho Thale district was affected when the Yom overflowed.

Two tambons -- Rang Nok and Sam Ngam -- were severely hit, with 159 homes in 13 villages submerged in up to two metres of water. The provincial governor, Thaniya Naipinit, led a field inspection in tambon Rang Nok, and emergency relief supplies were distributed.

The provincial irrigation office has proposed the urgent construction of a new bridge along the Rang Nok-To Rang road to accelerate drainage, with construction expected to begin in early fiscal 2026. The province is also planning to seek funding for the construction of additional sluice gates to better regulate water flow.

The flooding has disrupted traffic and business in key tourist zones like Patong. In Phuket, shop owners were clearing water from their storefronts, and tourists were wading through ankle-deep floodwater. Most of the water in Phuket receded by mid-afternoon, but authorities warned of potential further flooding due to more downpours.

The Meteorological Department has placed Phuket under a yellow alert for heavy to very heavy rain, predicting up to 90 millimetres of rain from 6am yesterday until 6am today. They have also warned of strong waves in the Andaman Sea, advising small boats to remain in port.

The Meteorological Department has advised people living in foothills and near rivers in Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chanthaburi, and Trat to be on the alert for flash floods and landslides. No specific information about additional provinces warned by the Meteorological Department's Hundred-Thousand-Foot Rain warning area besides Phichit and Phuket is available in the provided search results.

The flooding in these provinces has caused significant disruptions, but authorities and local communities are working together to provide relief and begin the process of recovery.