BANGKOK, Thailand – The Meteorological Department is closely monitoring Tropical Storm “Trami” in the western Pacific, which has intensified from a tropical depression. The storm is expected to make landfall in the Philippines between October 24-25, before moving towards the coast of Vietnam. This could bring strong winds to Thailand’s northeastern region and continuous heavy rainfall along the Andaman coast in the south.
According to Somkuan Tonchan, Director of the Weather Forecast Division, the storm, named after a type of flower from Vietnam, is the 20th tropical storm monitored this year by the Regional Specialized Meteorological Center (RSMC) in Tokyo, Japan.
Currently moving west, Trami is expected to pass through the Philippines’ Luzon Island before heading into the upper South China Sea. While it has no direct impact on Thailand at this stage, authorities are closely monitoring the storm’s progress between October 26-27, when it may approach Vietnam’s coast. The northeastern part of Thailand may experience strong winds, while cold air masses moving south could affect weather patterns.
Additionally, the Andaman coast in southern Thailand, including provinces like Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Krabi, is likely to see continuous thunderstorms, with heavy rain in some areas due to westerly winds pushing moisture towards the storm in the South China Sea.
The department also warned travelers heading to the Philippines to check weather conditions. For those in Thailand, regions including the lower north, northeast, east, and central areas, including Bangkok, should be cautious of thunderstorms, heavy rain, and potential flash floods, especially in low-lying or mountainous areas.
Seafarers are advised to avoid sailing in areas with thunderstorms, as waves in the Andaman Sea could reach 2 meters in height during stormy conditions.
By October 23-25, northern Thailand is expected to see less rain, with cooler temperatures as northeasterly winds prevail. However, the southern region, particularly along the Andaman coast, will continue to experience heavy rain due to the effects of the storm.
