Rain bomb alert for Pattaya as Thailand braces for more rain

BANGKOK — 5 October 2026, Thailand’s Joint Information and Coordination Center (JICC) has warned residents in Pattaya, Chonburi, to watch for potentially intense “rain bomb” conditions on the afternoon, while several provinces remain under close flood monitoring.

Government spokesman Ekkaphop Pheanspecial said the Meteorological Department forecast scattered thunderstorms and lightning across Thailand from 5-7 October, with rainfall moving from the Northeast toward the Central and Western regions.

Another period of rain is expected from 10-13 October, with heavy rainfall forecast in the North. Water from the Ping and Nan rivers is expected to flow into the Chao Phraya River, although reservoirs in the area still have capacity to receive additional water.

In the West, rainfall is expected to affect Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan. Southern provinces are expected to see increased rainfall during this period.

The National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Center has instructed southern provinces, governors and the Fourth Army Region to prepare disaster response measures and equipment. Residents in the South have also been urged to closely monitor official announcements.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed authorities to begin the relief process in areas where floodwaters have already receded rather than waiting for all affected areas to dry out.

Water levels show signs of improvement

Ekkaphop said water levels from the North remained manageable, with no significant additional inflows reported at Sirikit and Bhumibol dams.

Water flowing from Nakhon Sawan toward the Central region has also decreased. Releases from the Chao Phraya Dam have remained at about 2,500 cubic meters per second over the past two to three days.

Combined with declining water levels from the North, this has resulted in water levels reaching Nonthaburi and Bangkok remaining about 1 meter below the riverbank level.

In the West, water flowing from the Mae Klong River through Mueang, Bang Khon Thi and Amphawa districts in Samut Songkhram has fallen by about 1 meter, which officials described as a positive sign.

Three Chachoengsao districts on alert

In eastern Thailand, water from Nakhon Nayok and Prachin Buri has begun to decline and is flowing toward Chachoengsao and the Bang Pakong River.

Residents in Bang Khla, Ratchasan and Mueang Chachoengsao districts have been urged to closely monitor the situation.

Meanwhile, southern provinces are expected to face continued heavy rain next week, raising the risk of flash floods and runoff from mountainous areas.

Ekkaphop also issued a specific warning for Pattaya, saying the city could experience a “rain bomb” during the afternoon, potentially causing localized flooding.

Authorities are also closely monitoring Chachoengsao and Pathum Thani, where some areas are receiving water from Nakhon Nayok, as well as areas from Phetchaburi through the upper and lower South next week.