Thailand warns of heavy rain in 32 provinces, prepares for floods in Chiang Rai

Heavy rains are expected to continue in 32 provinces across Thailand, and due to the strengthening southwest monsoon, heavy rains may also occur in Bangkok and its surrounding areas, the Thai Meteorological Department warned today, August 3. It has also been stated that areas in mountainous regions and low-lying areas should be cautious of sudden floods and flash floods, as heavy rains are expected in the northern regions of upper Thailand and some parts of the country. Thunderstorms are likely to occur in up to 60 percent of the provincial areas in the northern, northeastern, and eastern regions of Thailand, and heavy rains may occur in provinces such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Nong Khai, Sakon Nakhon, Chaiyaphum, and Trat, and thunderstorms may also be encountered in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces, it has been warned. Furthermore, in Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand, the water level of the Sai River continues to rise, and an emergency warning has been issued due to the possibility of floods occurring in many places, and officials have instructed that personnel, vehicles, and emergency relief supplies be prepared in advance to assist local residents, it is known. In Phetchabun province, a district in the north-central part of Thailand, due to rising river water levels, a 5-meter-long embankment in Long Seok Township broke on the night of August 1, causing over 150 houses to be submerged, but there were no casualties, and the situation is currently under control, it is known.