The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has warned drivers to be careful while ferry operators plying routes between Krabi, Koh Phi Phi and Phuket say services are likely to be disrupted. The DDPM says flooding on Phuket has already affected Patong and Kata.
The floods are expected to spread to the other key resort zones of Rawai and Chalong as the rains continue. Monsoon rains swamp Patong every year and certain roads are usually rendered impassable to motorcycles and low-slung cars.
Local tourist officials say passengers flying out of Phuket International Airport should allow enough time to cover any traffic delays. Weather forecasters commented that the rain will replenish reservoirs in the area.
The forecast for the eastern Isarn area of Thailand is also rain all week. The rain should alleviate the drought that has beset this region over the past few months. Farmers with orchards have complained that they have had to watch their fruit wither and die this year.
Heavy rain forecast for east and south Thailand
News in Asia
Thailand’s Meteorological Bureau has forecast heavy rain and storms for the eastern and southern regions of Thailand. A bureau spokesperson noted that in the southwest Andaman Sea region heavy storms which began on Saturday are set to continue though until next weekend.