Thailand is bracing for increased flooding risks as the La Nina weather phenomenon is expected to bring heavier-than-average rainfall across the country. Environmental expert Sonthi Kotchawat warned recently that low-lying areas, including Bangkok and Samut Prakan, are particularly vulnerable due to their coastal proximity and the impact of high-rise buildings on wind patterns.
These areas, already prone to receiving significant runoff from upstream provinces during the monsoon season, are likely to experience more severe inundation between August and October. The Thai Meteorological Department confirmed that La Nina will continue to affect rainfall in Thailand until early next year, resulting in a wetter and cooler “cool” season, as well as more intense tropical storms during August and September.
Several provinces, such as Chon Buri, Rayong, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son, have already recorded higher-than-average rainfall, prompting calls for the government to strengthen flood prevention measures. Flooding has been reported in 37 provinces, with precipitation levels 15% higher than the same period last year.
