Phuket City Municipality issued a red flood alert on 29 October after persistent heavy rain and runoff caused water levels in the Bang Yai Canal to rise rapidly.
The alert, issued at 7.40am local time, urged residents and businesses along the canal to move electrical appliances, valuables and other possessions to higher ground. Officials warned that continued rainfall could cause the canal to overflow into nearby homes.
Flooding also disrupted road traffic. Karon Municipality temporarily closed Khok Tanot Road because of rising water, while floodwater made two locations in Chalong impassable for small cars and motorcycles. The affected areas included the road outside Wat Tai, also known as Wat Latthiwanaram, and the Khok Tanot traffic-light junction. Motorists were advised to avoid both locations.
The Thai Meteorological Department forecast thundershowers across 70% of Thailand’s southern west coast, with very heavy rain possible in parts of Phuket. The department attributed the unsettled conditions to a low-pressure area over the Andaman Sea and easterly winds affecting Thailand and the Gulf
Marine conditions are also a concern for tourism businesses. Waves in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand could exceed two metres during thunderstorms. Boat operators have been advised to check routes carefully, avoid storm areas and keep small vessels ashore when conditions deteriorate.
The latest alert follows several days of heavy-rain and flood warnings in Phuket. For visitors, the immediate risks concern road transfers, motorbike hire, outdoor excursions and boat trips rather than a reported island-wide shutdown. Travellers should check local conditions with hotels and tour operators before travelling through low-lying areas or departing on marine excursions.
