YuSMP Travel Editorial Team
From 18 to 25 October 2026, Thai authorities warned of heavy rain, flash floods and landslides — the warning covers Bangkok and 35 provinces, including the popular tourist destinations of Phuket and Krabi. Two agencies issued the alert: the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM). Conditions are expected to worsen on 21–24 October, when rainfall intensifies across the central region and the capital. Flights are running normally for now, but it's worth checking your route and the forecast ahead of travel. For the broader seasonal picture, see our Thailand overview and "Thailand Weather by Month".
What happened
At 5:00am local time on 17 October, TMD issued Warning No. 1 (260/2026) covering 18–25 October: it flags a risk of prolonged downpours, sudden runoff from higher ground, landslides, and sea waves above 3 metres in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. At the same time, DDPM placed 35 provinces and Bangkok under monitoring: 3 in the northeast, 18 in the central and eastern regions, and 14 in the south. Residents and visitors in these areas are advised to follow official forecasts and avoid routes prone to waterlogging.
Who is affected and which regions
The bad weather moves through in stages — hitting the south and east first, then shifting towards the centre and the capital.
TMD and DDPM forecast by date and region
| Dates | Regions | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 18–20 October | South and East (13 provinces, including Phuket and Krabi) | Continuous, locally very heavy rain |
| 21–22 October | Chonburi and Rayong (eastern coast) | Very heavy downpours and gusty winds |
| 21–24 October | Bangkok and neighbouring provinces | 35–65mm of rainfall, risk of lowland flooding |
| 21–25 October | Lower Northeast, Central, East, upper South (incl. Phang Nga) | Heavier rain, sea waves above 3m |
Official agencies have not reported mass flight cancellations — the warning concerns ground logistics, flooded roads and landslide risk in hilly and coastal areas, rather than air travel directly.
What to do before and during your trip
DDPM's recommendations, plus what's worth doing as a traveller:
- check your flight and transfer status the day before and on the day of travel;
- avoid visiting caves, waterfalls and mountain viewpoints between 18–25 October — DDPM specifically warns about this risk;
- steer clear of routes along rivers and in low-lying areas where flooding is possible;
- if your trip includes Phuket, Krabi or Bangkok, keep your hotel or tour operator's number handy, plus Thailand's emergency line 1784;
- check whether your travel insurance covers flight delays and weather-related force majeure.
Check carrier status on our Airlines page; if this is your first trip to Thailand, entry rules for Russian citizens are covered in "Thailand Visa Rules for Russian Travellers". Considering a different destination for these dates? Our match tool can help by season and budget.
Frequently asked questions
Should I cancel my trip to Thailand because of this warning?
Official agencies aren't recommending trip cancellations — this is about heightened readiness and caution, not evacuation or airport closures. Decisions on specific dates and regions should follow TMD's updates closer to departure.
Which parts of Thailand are hit hardest?
According to the forecast, the southern provinces (including Phuket and Krabi) from 18–20 October, then Bangkok and the surrounding central region from 21–24 October.
What should I do if my flight or transfer is delayed by the weather?
Check status directly with the airline or transfer company, review your insurance's delay and compensation terms, and avoid driving onto visibly flooded road sections.
Can I still visit caves, waterfalls and viewpoints during these days?
DDPM specifically warns about landslide and flash flood risk in this kind of terrain — it's best to postpone such excursions for the duration of the warning.
Where can I check the latest forecast before travelling?
Official updates are published by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) — see the link in the Sources section below.
Sources
- Thai Meteorological Department (tmd.go.th) — official Warning No. 1 (260/2026), 17 October 2026
- Nation Thailand — 18 October 2026
- Malay Mail — 18 October 2026
Weather forecasts change quickly — check the latest updates on tmd.go.th and your airline's status page before travelling.
