If you’ve been on social media today, you’ve probably seen quite a bit of panic about the heavy rain expected across Thailand.
The Thailand Meteorological Department has warned that heavy to very heavy rain is expected in several parts of the country, including Bangkok and surrounding areas, through 27 September. The current weather system involves an active low-pressure cell and a strengthening southwest monsoon.
This doesn’t mean you need to panic. But if you live in Thailand, especially in Bangkok, it’s probably a good idea to prepare for a few days of inconvenience.
Here are a few things I would personally keep in mind:
1. Think twice before travelling
If you don’t really need to go out, staying home may save you a lot of trouble.
Heavy rain can quickly turn a normal 30-minute journey into a much longer one. Roads can flood, traffic can build up and public transport can also experience delays or disruptions.
And if you’re planning to use Grab or Bolt, don’t be surprised if prices suddenly go up or it becomes difficult to find a driver when the rain gets really heavy.
So if your trip isn’t important, maybe this is one of those weekends to just stay home.
2. Stock up on the basics
You don’t need to empty the supermarket.
But having enough drinking water, food, medicine and other daily essentials at home to get you through until 27 September is sensible.
Delivery services such as Grab, LINE MAN or supermarket delivery can become extremely busy during heavy rain, and some areas may temporarily become difficult to reach.
A little preparation now can save you from having to go outside later just to buy one or two things.
3. Charge your phone and keep a power bank ready
This is something people often forget.
Before the rain gets heavy, make sure your phone is charged and your power bank has enough battery.
If you’re stuck somewhere because of flooding, traffic or transport delays, your phone may be your main way of checking weather updates, contacting family or booking another way home.
Also keep your important numbers and emergency contacts somewhere easy to access.
4. Check your home before the rain gets worse
If you live in a condo or house, take five minutes to look around.
Check your balcony, windows, drains and anywhere water could potentially enter. Move anything valuable away from areas where rainwater could come in, and if you park outside, think about whether your usual parking spot could be affected by flooding.
You don’t have to overreact. Just do the small things now that are annoying to deal with once the rain has already started.
One last thing
The forecast is a reason to be prepared, not a reason to panic.
The official forecast currently warns of heavy to very heavy rain and possible accumulated rainfall that could lead to flash flooding and overflowing waterways in affected areas.
So keep an eye on the weather, avoid unnecessary travel during the worst periods, keep some essentials at home and, most importantly, use common sense.
Sometimes the best way to get through a rainy weekend in Thailand is simply to stay home, make some coffee and let the rain do its thing.