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Flash flood hits Chiang Mai falls, Phuket braces for rain to 7 October

A flash flood swept through a waterfall in Chiang Mai province on 5 October 2026, and Phuket has readied pumps, sandbags and shelters in case rain brings flooding through 7 October. Check conditions on the day.

Kylian Dev

Monsoon rain sweeping over the hills of Khao Yai National Park in Thailand
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg · CC BY 4.0
Update of October 9, 2026: Phuket rain warning extended: very heavy rain to 13 October

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In short

  • Flash flood at the Mae Sa Noi waterfall, Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai, on 5 October 2026.
  • Thunderstorms and further rain forecast for the Chiang Mai area from 5 to 7 October.
  • Phuket stands at 27 installed pumps, 8 reserve pumps and more than 8,000 sandbags.
  • District 'War Rooms' on Phuket and monitoring run through 7 October 2026.

What to do

  1. 1Avoid waterfalls, streams and forest trails around Mae Rim and the Mae Sa valley while heavy rain continues.
  2. 2Check road conditions before driving on Phuket: 62 locations are listed as flood-prone.
  3. 3Confirm boat and ferry departures with your operator before leaving Phuket.
  4. 4Call the DDPM hotline 1784 — free, 24 hours — if flooding affects you.

What happened?

Heavy rain across Chiang Mai province sent a surge of water through the Mae Sa Noi waterfall on 5 October 2026, a site inside the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden in Mae Rim district. Khaosod reported the flood at around 4pm; people in or close to the watercourse were told to move to a safe place and keep watching a water level that was changing fast. Thailand's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation is monitoring the situation, with thunderstorms and more rain forecast from 5 to 7 October.

On Phuket, The Phuket News reported that officials said on the morning of 5 October that staff and machines were being moved into position, shelters identified and stocks prepared in case heavy rain brought flooding, flash run-off or landslides, or made the sea too rough for boats. That follows an urgent warning issued on the night of Friday 2 October 2026 for hazardous weather from 4 to 7 October. Our rainy season guide covers what these forecasts mean for islands and mountain roads.

Who is affected?

  • Visitors to waterfalls, streams and trails around Mae Rim and the Mae Sa valley, north of Chiang Mai.
  • Drivers on Phuket, where 62 spots are listed as flood-prone and machinery goes out once rainfall passes 100mm.
  • People in 21 communities in Kathu district and 15 in Mueang district, flagged for flash floods and landslides.

Kamala has ten points to watch, four of them usable as shelters, including a child development centre with room for 200 to 250 people and two mosques. Two landslide-prone spots and four places to monitor waves and wind are also listed. Our safety guide covers heavy rain and sea conditions.

What has Phuket prepared?

Each district must run a 'War Room' tracking weather and water levels, with rescue equipment, warning systems, evacuation routes, shelters and supplies ready through 7 October 2026. Kamala, Patong, Kata and Karon are singled out for possible landslides.

MeasureDetail
Road flooding62 locations identified as at risk
Pumps27 installed (18 provincial, 8 municipal, 1 DDPM regional centre), plus 8 reserve pumps at 5 sites
SandbagsMore than 8,000 prepared
DeploymentMachinery sent out if rainfall exceeds 100mm

What changes for travellers?

No closures, transport suspensions or access restrictions have been announced in either province, and the Phuket measures are precautionary. The Phuket News reported generally fine weather there on the morning of 5 October, apart from isolated showers, while Chiang Mai has already seen flooding. Rain-day ideas: Phuket day trips and Chiang Mai day trips.

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FAQ

Questions

Is Phuket flooded now?

No. The Phuket News reported generally fine weather there on the morning of 5 October, with a few isolated showers. The pumps and shelters are preparations for possible flooding through 7 October 2026.

Should I cancel a trip to Chiang Mai or Phuket?

No closures or travel restrictions have been announced. Check the forecast and local conditions before waterfall visits, mountain trails, boat trips and long drives.

Sources

We cross-check each story against official pages and several media, and rewrite it in our own words for travellers.

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