In short
- Nationwide warning runs 9 to 15 October 2026: storms, hail, lightning, gusty winds and, in places, very heavy rain.
- From 12 to 15 October rain eases in upper Thailand; the South keeps heavy rain and waves above 2 metres offshore.
- Phuket town: Ranong Road, Bangkok Road and Chaofa East Road flooded on 9 October, within an hour of the rain starting.
- No curfew, no airport closure and no domestic travel ban announced.
What to do
- 1Check the warning at tmd.go.th and confirm flights, ferries and speedboats with the operator before 9-15 October travel.
- 2Allow extra time on the road in Phuket town, Bangkok and eastern Thailand during afternoon storms.
- 3Avoid open ground, tall trees and unstable billboards as storms pass, and never wade through moving water.
- 4Keep Andaman Sea and Gulf crossings flexible rather than fixing a single day.
What changed on 9 October?
The Thai Meteorological Department has widened its warning to the whole country for 9 to 15 October 2026, Khaosod English reports. Hail, lightning, gusty winds and thunderstorms now add to heavy rain, with very heavy falls in places; the earlier warning No. 247/2026 of 7 October focused on the South and Phuket.
The pattern shifts mid-period: from 12 to 15 October rain eases in upper Thailand, while the South keeps heavy to very heavy falls in places, driven by a high-pressure system from China and a monsoon trough across the South.
In Phuket town, rain began at about 11.30 am on 9 October and within an hour Ranong Road, in front of the Jui Tui Shrine where the Vegetarian Festival's vegan street food event is held, was flooded, along with Bangkok Road and the Dao Rung area of Chaofa East Road, according to Thai press reports. Phuket's disaster command says staff and rescue equipment are on standby around the clock.
Who is affected, and when?
- Bangkok and eastern Thailand: storms over 60 to 80% of the area on 10 and 11 October, easing to 20 to 40% from 12 to 15 October.
- Southern Gulf coast (Samui, Phangan, Tao): 60 to 70% from 9 to 15 October, very heavy rain in places from 10 to 12 October.
- Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Lanta): 40 to 60% on 9-10 and 13-15 October, 60 to 70% with heavy rain on 11 and 12 October.
- Sea: waves about 1 metre in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf, above 2 metres in thundery areas.
From 9 to 13 October, people across Thailand are advised to watch for flash floods and forest runoff, especially on foothills near waterways and in low-lying areas. Our rainy season guide covers what October normally looks like by region, and the Thailand ferries guide the crossings most exposed to swell.
What should you do on the ground?
Boat operators in the Gulf and the Andaman Sea have been told to navigate with caution and avoid thundery areas; confirm any crossing with the operator before leaving your hotel. Phuket's authorities advise following weather alerts and avoiding high-risk areas in heavy rain - see our safety guide.
Travelling soon? Plan around it
Build a day-by-day Thailand route that keeps flexible days where the weather and transport are uncertain.
FAQ
Questions
Is Phuket airport closed?
No. The flooding on 9 October hit streets in Phuket town, not the airport. Check with your airline and allow extra time for the drive.
Do I need to change my plans?
Nothing in the warning requires cancelling a trip. Keep boat crossings and outdoor days flexible until 15 October.
Sources
- Khaosod English · Thai Meteorological Department warns of storms, hail and lightning from 9–15 October · Oct 9, 2026
- Khaosod English · Heavy rain floods Phuket streets, disrupts vegetarian food fair · Oct 9, 2026
We cross-check each story against official pages and several media, and rewrite it in our own words for travellers.
