October 5, 2026 — Update to our October 4 story. Thailand’s weather agency issued a new warning on Monday for heavy to very heavy rain, gusty winds and hail across the North, Central region, East and upper South through October 7. Bangkok’s river defences are expected to hold, and Thai Airways is back to a full schedule. No new national figure for people affected was published; Sunday’s 3.26 million stands as the latest.
What changed
- Warning No. 9: the Thai Meteorological Department expects the worst rain on October 5 and 6, shifting west on October 7, with flash-flood risk near hills and waterways. Bangkok’s forecast is thunderstorms over 80% of the city.
- Next: more rain is forecast for October 9 to 13 in the East, Central region and South. The irrigation department expects rain to intensify in the South on October 8 and 9, especially in Phetchaburi, Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Songkhla, Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat.
- Bangkok: the Chao Phraya Dam is releasing 2,500 cubic metres per second. The irrigation department expects the capital’s flood walls to hold, with riverside areas outside the walls still at risk.
- Chiang Mai: a storm lasting more than an hour on Monday afternoon left water on several city roads, and a flash flood hit Mae Sa Noi Waterfall in Mae Rim. No airport impact was reported.
- Seas: waves above 2 metres are forecast in thunderstorms in both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
- Thai Airways: the Transport Ministry said the airline operated 100% of its schedule. The delayed-bag backlog fell to 150 outbound and 412 inbound bags, from peaks above 5,000 each.
- Relief: more than 1.05 million households have registered for flood aid, nearly half of them in Bangkok.
What it means for airline travelers
- Flights are operating, but afternoon thunderstorms can delay departures at Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Avoid the last flight of the day when flying standby.
- Allow extra time for the road to Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang on storm afternoons.
- Heading to Koh Samui, Krabi or the far South from October 8? Watch ferry notices; rough seas can stop boats with little warning.
- Skip waterfalls and forest trails in the North this week.
- Thailand’s disaster hotline is 1784.
Sources
- The Nation — TMD issues Thailand warning for heavy rain, hail and flash floods
- The Nation — RID expects Bangkok defences to hold at 2,500m³/s on Oct 5
- The Nation — Chiang Mai storm lasts over an hour as roads flood on Oct 5
- Khaosod English — Flash flood hits Chiang Mai waterfall, visitors warned
- The Nation — Thailand flood aid registrations exceed 1.05 million households
- The Nation — Thai Airways service almost fully restored with all flights operating
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