UPDATE: Phuket warned of heavy rain, flooding, landslides and rough seas from 9 to 13 October

Phuket authorities have warned residents to prepare for heavy to very heavy rain from 9 to 13 October 2026, with flash floods, forest run-off, landslides and rough seas among the associated hazards. The warning was issued by the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM Phuket) Command Centre, according to The Phuket News.

Separately, the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) has warned Phuket and 22 other provinces of possible flooding, flash floods, forest run-off and mudslides from 10 to 12 October 2026. The ONWR warning is based on forecasts from the Thai Meteorological Department and the Hydro-Informatics Institute, along with flood and mudslide risk assessments.

The two dates are separate, attributed forecast windows within the same near-term weather episode. The ONWR has called for close monitoring in affected areas, including Phuket and other southern provinces. It has also urged authorities to monitor large reservoirs holding more than 80% of their capacity, prepare for heavy rainfall and coordinate water management from upstream to downstream. Major rivers and tributaries could overflow, while low-lying areas could face flooding.

The Phuket News reported that the local warning followed a Thai Meteorological Department forecast of unstable weather across the South, including thunderstorms, gusty winds and isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall. The department's first announcement on the weather system, issued on 7 October, noted that a cold air mass from China was extending over upper Thailand, while a monsoon trough lay across the upper South and the southwest monsoon continued to affect the Andaman Sea. Waves could exceed two metres in areas affected by thunderstorms.

District authorities, local administrative organisations, kamnan and village headmen have been instructed to closely monitor areas at risk of flooding and landslides, particularly locations experiencing heavy or accumulated rainfall and areas around foothills and high ground. Authorities have prepared personnel, machinery and rescue equipment for emergency response, while temporary shelters, food, drinking water and other essential supplies are being readied.

Waterfalls, caves and other natural tourist attractions are to be closed if heavy rain creates dangerous conditions, with officials assigned to monitor high-risk locations. Underpasses and tunnels affected by flooding are to be closed immediately, with water pumped out as necessary to protect motorists and pedestrians and minimise traffic disruption.

The public has been warned to avoid open areas, large trees, unstable structures and billboards during thunderstorms and strong winds, and to take particular care around lightning. People in flooded areas have also been warned about possible electrical leakage and advised not to enter floodwaters until the area has been declared safe.

The warning follows heavy rain and a high tide that caused flooding and landslides in parts of Patong on the night of 6 October. Patong Mayor Lalita Maneesri led an inspection of affected areas on 7 October, while municipal crews assisted residents by distributing sandbags, repairing roads damaged by standing water, clearing debris from drainage channels and washing roads to reduce the risk of accidents.

Patong Municipality has established an assistance centre to receive requests from residents affected by flooding and landslides. With further heavy rain and high tides forecast, people in flood-prone areas have been advised to move vehicles, motorcycles and other belongings to higher ground.

The municipality specifically warned residents in the Nanai area, including around Soi 8 near Kasikornbank and Malin Market, to move vehicles and belongings to safe, higher ground. Temporary parking for cars and motorcycles is available at Patong Bay Hill Hotel.

Residents requiring sandbags or assistance with flooding or other natural disasters can contact the Patong Municipality Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Division around the clock on 076-342600. Disaster reports and requests for assistance can also be made 24 hours a day through the national 1784 disaster hotline or Line ID @1784DPM. Residents should continue monitoring official weather and emergency announcements.