Heavy rain battered Phuket, causing water to pool in multiple locations awaiting drainage. The governor inspected the situation and ordered enhanced proactive measures, accelerating sediment dredging and removal of waterway blockages. Meanwhile, the Southern Meteorological Center issued a warning of heavy rain and strong winds over the Andaman Sea coast from 20 to 24 May.
On 20 May 2026 at 05:00, the Southern Meteorological Center for the western region issued its 8th warning about heavy rain and strong winds over the Andaman Sea area during 20–24 May 2026. The relatively strong southwest monsoon is covering the upper Andaman Sea and the southern western region, causing increased rainfall and possible heavy to very heavy rain in some areas along the Andaman coast.
The provinces expected to be affected include: Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. Residents in risk areas, especially at foothills, lowlands, and near water flow paths, should remain alert to dangers from accumulated rain that could cause flash floods and flash floods.
Meanwhile, the Andaman Sea has strong winds with waves about 2–3 meters high, and waves could exceed 3 meters in areas with thunderstorms. The Southern Meteorological Center urges fishermen to exercise increased caution while navigating and to avoid routes with thunderstorms. Small boats should refrain from leaving shore during this period for safety.
The ongoing heavy rain in Phuket has caused water to pool in many areas awaiting drainage, especially in low-lying and recurrent flood-prone spots, affecting travel for residents and road users on several routes.
The weather, influenced by a strong southwest monsoon, has brought continuous heavy rain to the southern Andaman coast including Phuket. The Meteorological Department and disaster prevention agencies have issued warnings for residents to be vigilant about flash floods, flash floods, and landslides in vulnerable areas.
Initial reports show several areas in Mueang Phuket, Kathu, and Thalang districts have water pooling on road surfaces, making travel difficult for small vehicles. Local administrative organizations and related agencies have been on-site to speed up water drainage and facilitate traffic continuously.
Officials advise residents to closely follow weather forecasts, avoid flooded routes, and exercise extra caution when driving during heavy rain due to risks of slippery roads and low visibility that could cause accidents.
Most recently, the Phuket governor has stepped up proactive measures, ordering relevant agencies and all local administrative organizations—including municipalities and subdistrict administrative organizations—to collaborate with the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization to urgently dredge sediment and remove blockages from waterways, canals, and drainage ditches in risk areas.
Emphasis was placed on all local authorities to use their powers immediately to create clear water channels without waiting for floods to occur first. Areas lacking heavy machinery were instructed to coordinate with the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organization, which is ready to deploy equipment to all sites to ensure water flows smoothly and reduce the chance of flooding as much as possible.
Additionally, Phuket province has ordered agencies responsible for roads—both highways and rural roads—to work with local authorities to regularly maintain the cleanliness of drainage pipes and roadside debris traps. They have been instructed to set up task forces to respond promptly when it rains, quickly removing wood debris, leaves, and plastic bags that clog grates to prevent water from overflowing and pooling on road surfaces.
Through coordinated teamwork, the Thalang district’s Si Sunthon subdistrict has successfully dredged and opened water channels, speeding up drainage flow. Phuket province continues to emphasize that all sectors prepare staff on standby to monitor risk points around the clock.
The Phuket governor expressed concern for residents and tourists, urging drivers to exercise increased caution and reduce speed to reach their destinations safely. Tourists planning beach activities were asked to strictly follow regulations, and if a red flag warning for strong waves is raised, swimming is strictly prohibited to prevent potential loss of life.