Bangkok: The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), under the Ministry of Interior, has issued an urgent alert to 52 provinces across Thailand, warning them to brace for potential flash floods, forest runoff, mudslides, and flooding from May 23-27, 2025. The DDPM is actively coordinating with regions at risk to monitor and prepare for these possible natural disasters.
According to Thai News Agency, the Ministry of Interior communicated the alert through its Facebook PR page, highlighting that provinces in the northern, northeastern, central, and southern regions should be vigilant. Officials have been instructed to closely observe weather patterns, rainfall, and water conditions, especially in high-risk areas with accumulated rainfall. Resources, including personnel, equipment, and disaster relief machinery, are being prepared to ensure a rapid response to any incidents, and the public in these regions is being preemptively warned and educated on safety measures.
Mr. Phasakorn Boonyalak, Director-General of DDPM, announced that the Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Center is actively monitoring weather conditions in collaboration with the Meteorological Department. An announcement was made on May 21, 2025, indicating a strengthening southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, which is expected to increase rainfall, with some areas experiencing heavy to very heavy rain. The Office of National Water Resources has also highlighted the need for vigilance, especially in urban areas and near reservoirs with over 80% water capacity.
Specific provinces and districts in the North, Northeast, Central, and South have been identified as high-risk areas. These include parts of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Loei, Nong Khai, Kanchanaburi, Chumphon, and Surat Thani, among others. The DDPM is coordinating with local disaster prevention centers to ensure readiness, particularly in locations susceptible to heavy and continuous rainfall. Natural tourist attractions, such as waterfalls and caves, will be closed off if deemed hazardous.
The Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command has underlined the importance of 24-hour monitoring in risk areas. Emergency machinery and response teams are on standby to provide immediate assistance if needed. Provinces are urged to disseminate weather and government news promptly and inform residents in vulnerable areas to ensure they can prepare adequately and respond safely to any unfolding events.
Residents in the alert zones are encouraged to stay informed about weather updates and government advisories, taking all necessary precautions to mitigate potential disaster impacts as outlined by the authorities.