Thailand weather until October 7: heavy rain in Bangkok and Pattaya, waves above 2 metres

10/5/2026

Thailand's Meteorological Department warns of heavy rain and thunderstorms on October 5-7, peaking in Bangkok and Pattaya today and tomorrow. What it means for island trips, airport runs and Phuket's beaches, and where the rain moves from October 8.

Thailand's Meteorological Department is warning of heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds across the upper half of the country until October 7. Today and tomorrow, October 5-6, the brunt falls on Bangkok and its suburbs, the Central region, the East including Pattaya, and the South. On October 7 the rain shifts to the western parts of the North and Central regions. This is not a new flood, but a fresh load of water on ground that is still wet. Floodwater in Bangkok is receding after September, but low-lying streets and areas near the Chao Phraya river can flood again. We covered how to reach the airports in flooded Bangkok in a separate story. In the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea waves rise above 2 metres during thunderstorms. Boat trips, island ferries and snorkelling are uncertain these days: a speedboat can be cancelled at the last minute, and swimming is not allowed when a red flag is up on the beach. What it means in the three main destinations: 1. Bangkok - allow an extra hour to get to Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang: taxis and Grab take longer to find in a downpour, and low streets flood within half an hour. 2. Pattaya - better move a Koh Larn trip to a day with a calmer forecast, and skip the scooter in heavy rain: roads get slippery and water runs off the hills. If you are coming from the airport, it is easier to book a door-to-door transfer in advance. 3. Phuket - the west coast beaches (Patong, Karon, Kata) have strong rip currents in the rainy season, so swim only where lifeguards are on duty and there is no red flag. From October 8 the rain moves to the east and south of the country and should last there until around October 12. The government is already preparing 14 southern provinces for more downpours on October 9-13. If you are heading to Phuket, Krabi or Koh Samui next week, keep a spare day without sea plans. During thunderstorms the Meteorological Department advises staying out of open areas and away from large trees and billboards. The latest warnings are on the Thai Meteorological Department website, and the weather hotline is 1182. If water reaches your home or cuts off the road, call the disaster hotline 1784. Forward this to friends who are in Bangkok or Pattaya right now or flying south next week, so they can plan island days and airport transfers with time to spare.