Wet weather is on the way to central, eastern and southern areas of the country including Bangkok at least through Monday, forecasters say.
The Meteorological Department released a warning on Friday about heavy rains and possible flash floods in the lower part of the central region, eastern provinces, southern provinces and also Greater Bangkok.
A low pressure system from Vietnam will move into the Gulf of Thailand on Saturday, causing rainfall and downpours through Tuesday, the weather agency said.
However, it’s not certain whether the rain will come to some parts of the country where farmers need it most. Some provinces in the Lower North and Northeast are battling a severe water shortage as rainfall has been lighter than usual this year.
Provincial authorities in Nakhon Ratchasima have declared some districts disaster areas in order to ensure the speedy delivery of assistance to people affected by a lack of rainfall.
Deputy governor Piyachat Insawang said on Friday the worst has yet to come to the northeastern province. He instructed officials to encourage people to be aware of the situation and to consume water wisely.
In Sri Samrong district of Sukhothai, meanwhile, farmers complained that the shortage of rainfall has damaged their rice crops.
“We have nothing left. All the hom mali rice has withered to death this year,” said Montha Klakhaeng, 43, a farmer at Ban Nong Sakae.