Thailand hit by heavy monsoon rains, flooding Bangkok and 14 provinces

Torrential rain on May 31 dumped up to 88 mm in Bangkok’s Pathumwan district, flooding streets such as Soi Ruamrudee and causing traffic snarls during peak hours. Authorities mobilised the Bangkok Flood Prevention Centre, public works, sanitation, parks and municipal police to drain canals and monitor the situation around the clock.

The Office of the National Water Resources issued a flood watch for 15 provinces, warning that more than 100 mm of rain could fall within 12 hours. High‑risk areas include northern provinces (Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Tak), eastern provinces (Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat), western provinces (Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan) and southern provinces (Chumphon, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi). Officials urged residents to stay alert, prepare drainage systems and emergency equipment, and cautioned that prolonged rain could trigger flash floods, disrupt transport and affect daily life, especially on the island of Phuket.