On Sunday, January 1st, the National Disaster Warning Centre of Thailand issued a weather alert advising inhabitants living in the south-eastern provinces of the country to prepare for heavy downpours which could trigger flash flooding and landslides. Moreover, late on January 1st, authorities ordered the evacuation of residents in some parts of southern Thailand following days of strong rains. Provinces of Songkla, Narathiwa, Phatthalung and Yala are particularly affected by these severe weather conditions. At the time being, many roads throughout the region are inaccessible. Heavy downpours and thundershowers are forecast to continue until at least January 8th.
Central Thailand is still affected by the worst flooding in decades that left at least 800 people dead and devastated larger parts of the country. Even if water continues to subside, 33 districts across the provinces of Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, and Pathum Thani remain affected. Transport disruptions are still reported in some parts of the country. In most of Thailand, the monsoon runs from May to October, with September and October being the peak of the rainy season. In the south-eastern part of the Thai peninsula, the monsoon runs from November to March.
People travelling to Thailand are advised to avoid all flooded areas. Confirm all your travel arrangements as transport disruptions could spontaneously occur. Listen to all recommendations given by local authorities. If you are told to evacuate, do so and follow specific routes. Moreover, travellers must be aware that several western embassies advise their citizens against all but essential travel to some regions of Thailand, including the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla, where an Islamic insurgency is going on. Get informed before your departure.
