CHIANG MAI, Thailand – The Flood, Storm, and Landslide Relief Operations Center on Friday reported that temperatures at Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai Province dropped to 9°C in the morning around 7:00 AM. Despite the cold conditions, the seasonal transition may bring sporadic rainfall across parts of the country, particularly in central Thailand. Some northern areas could experience both rain and cooler temperatures. The Ministry of Public Health has urged citizens to take precautions and is prepared to support affected communities.
Meanwhile, the Office of the National Water Resources has issued a flood warning for 29 provinces across central, western, eastern, and southern Thailand, cautioning about flash floods, overflowing rivers, and waterlogging from October 19 to 23. The provinces under alert include:
Central region: Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan, and Bangkok.
Western region: Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Eastern region: Chachoengsao, Prachinburi, Sa Kaeo, Chonburi (Pattaya), Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat.
Southern region: Chumphon, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Surat Thani, Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Satun, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat.
In northern Thailand, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has directed that flood recovery efforts in the region be completed by the end of October, aligning with the northern tourism season. With temperatures in many areas dipping below 18°C, the region is preparing to welcome tourists, and the outlook for economic recovery is positive.
In addition, the Flood, Storm, and Landslide Relief Operations Center has intensified recovery efforts in Chiang Rai, with a goal to return normalcy to affected areas in both Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai by the end of the month. Officials have visited impacted areas, including Wiang Pa Pao District, where around 2,400 residents have been affected by floods and landslides, with damage covering approximately 1,200 rai of land and impacting public infrastructure.
In Mae Sai District, the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters reported that 208,440 square meters of the 211,000 square meters designated for recovery have been completed, accounting for 99% of the area. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation further noted that 796 out of 819 households in Mae Sai have been cleaned, marking 97% completion. All sectors continue to mobilize personnel, equipment, and machinery to help residents in Mae Sai return to normal life as quickly as possible. (NNT)
