Thailand faces severe flood risks as death toll rises to 31

Thailand is facing severe weather threats as heavy rainfall and flash flood warnings extend across much of the country. The Thailand Meteorological Department has issued alerts for 51 provinces, warning of thunderstorms, strong winds, and accumulated rain that could trigger sudden runoff and flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and near foothills.

The nationwide death toll from flooding since mid-September has risen to 31, with approximately 3.5 million people affected. In Bangkok, flooding has impacted roughly 329,000 households, prompting authorities to declare the capital a flood disaster zone and deploy additional water pumps and canal drainage measures.

Industrial sectors are also on high alert. The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has urged businesses to activate emergency response plans, noting that over 4,000 establishments have already been affected. Major industrial zones, including Amata City Chonburi, have seen production halts at several factories.

Weather patterns are being driven by a high-pressure system from China interacting with the southwest monsoon. Forecasters expect further heavy rain to persist through mid-October, specifically targeting the eastern, central, and southern regions, including Pattaya and Bangkok.