People in southern provinces are warned of torrential rain starting on Wednesday and forecast to continue until Friday, with the risk of flash flooding.

The easterly wind moving through the Gulf of Thailand, the South and the Andaman Sea is bringing more rain to southern provinces, the Meteorological Department reported on Wednesday.

The warning especially applies to these provinces - Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, Satun, Phetchaburi, Ranong and Phuket.

Residents are advised to brace for heavy to very heavy rain that could cause flooding near mountainous terrain.

Waves in the gulf are expected to be stronger, approximately 2 metres high and more during thunderstorms. Small boats are warned to stay ashore.