Phuket Rain Warning Extended as Flood and Sea Risks Persist

Meteorologists have warned that heavy rain across Phuket is expected to continue through May 21, increasing the risk of localized flooding and dangerous sea conditions around the island.

The current wave of bad weather arrived in Phuket last week as the southwest monsoon strengthened across the Andaman region. Phuket’s meteorological center, Phuket Met, initially issued a weather warning covering the period from May 14 to May 18 before later extending the advisory through Wednesday, May 21.

Although the extension was not released as a formal signed document, the updated warning was published through the meteorological center’s official communication channels.

The advisory covers Phuket, Phang Nga, and Ranong provinces, where authorities expect continued heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas over the coming days.

Officials specifically warned operators of small boats to remain ashore during severe weather conditions, while larger vessels were urged to navigate with extra caution due to strong waves and unstable conditions in the Andaman Sea.

On land, residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas have been advised to stay alert for possible flash flooding and water accumulation caused by prolonged rainfall.

According to meteorological data, Phuket has already recorded more than 186 millimeters of rainfall since the beginning of May, reflecting the rapid onset of the rainy season in southern Thailand.

The dangerous sea conditions have already resulted in fatalities on Phuket’s beaches. Authorities confirmed the deaths of two people — a Russian woman and a Thai national — in separate incidents linked to rough surf and strong currents.

Officials continue urging both residents and tourists to closely monitor weather updates and avoid entering the sea during periods of high waves and red-flag conditions.