Thailand’s government has launched a 24-hour emergency operations center “war room” to monitor the country’s weather threats as heavy rainfall and potential flooding loom in the coming days. The move comes ahead of Typhoon Wipha, which is expected to make landfall in northern Vietnam between July 21–22, bringing spillover effects into Thailand.
Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, currently serving as the acting National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Commander, said the storm could cause serious flooding across northern and northeastern Thailand, especially between July 22–23, due to rising water levels in the Mekong River and surrounding basins. Emergency personnel and equipment are being deployed, and residents in high-risk areas are advised to prepare for potential evacuations.
A combination of a low-pressure trough and moist air from the Andaman Sea is also expected to trigger widespread showers across the country.
Meanwhile, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has brought together national agencies, including the Meteorological Department, Royal Irrigation Department, and National Water Resources Office, to coordinate a national-level response.
Provincial governors have been directed to closely watch areas that receive over 90 mm of rainfall, especially zones that are flood-prone or poorly drained. Riverbanks are being reinforced, and water flow management systems are being adjusted to prevent overflow and downstream flooding.
The Thai Meteorological Department reports that the provinces of Chanthaburi, Trat, Ranong, and Phangnga, as well as parts of the Central and Northeastern regions, will likely experience the heaviest rainfall. People living near hillsides, waterways, and low-lying areas are urged to stay alert for possible flash floods and runoff.
As of Sunday, Typhoon Wipha had weakened to a tropical storm in Guangdong, China, but still poses a significant rain threat to large parts of Thailand from Sunday through Thursday. Residents are urged to be prepared for flash floods and runoff.
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