Heavy rain floods Phuket streets, disrupts vegetarian food fair

PHUKET — 9 October 2026, Heavy rain flooded several areas of Phuket causing waterlogging after less than an hour of rainfall and affecting a vegetarian food street event in the provincial capital.

The rain began at around 11:30, with flooding reported on Ranong Road in front of Jui Tui Shrine, where the “Vegan Street Food” event is being held as part of Phuket’s annual Vegetarian Festival. Other affected areas included Bangkok Road and the Dao Rung area along Chaofa East Road.

The flooding came as Phuket authorities warned of heavy to very heavy rain from 9–13 October. The provincial disaster prevention and mitigation command has prepared response measures and instructed relevant agencies to closely monitor weather conditions and high-risk areas.

The Thai Meteorological Department issued its first warning, No. 247/2026, on 7 October, forecasting unsettled weather, thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy to very heavy rain in some areas, particularly in the South. The conditions are being driven by a monsoon trough and the southwest monsoon, which continue to affect the Andaman Sea. Waves could exceed two metres in areas experiencing thunderstorms.

Phuket authorities have instructed district offices, local administrative organisations, village heads and community leaders to monitor areas at risk of flash floods, forest runoff, waterlogging and landslides. Agencies have also been told to prepare personnel, heavy machinery and rescue equipment to assist residents around the clock.

Residents are advised to follow weather alerts, exercise caution when travelling on flooded roads and avoid high-risk areas during heavy rain to reduce the risk of accidents and weather-related hazards.