Bangkok – Tropical Storm Wipha has begun lashing Thailand’s northeastern border provinces, with Bung Kan and Nakhon Phanom experiencing torrential downpours since Monday night. The Meteorological Department warns these conditions will persist through Thursday as the storm weakens into a depression over Vietnam before tracking toward southern China.

Chiang Mai on High Alert with Storm Command Center in Full Operation

While Wipha won’t make direct landfall in Thailand, its outer bands are battering northern and northeastern regions adjacent to Laos. Surajit Jitareerat of the Meteorological Department confirmed Chiang Rai, Phayao, and Nan will join Bung Kan and Nakhon Phanom in facing heavy rainfall, with Ranong and Phangnga bracing for four-meter Andaman Sea waves.

Northeastern provinces bordering Laos are feeling the impact of Tropical Storm Wipha as it moves onto Vietnam and inches closer to Thailand.

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The storm’s ripple effects extend to the Gulf of Thailand and Greater Bangkok, where 70% of the area faces thunderstorms and strong winds. The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department has issued flash flood alerts for eight provinces through Wednesday, including Chiang Mai, Phrae, and Nong Khai.

Storm Wipha Claims Lives of Two Chinese Tourists in Thailand, More Rain Expected

Authorities urge residents in low-lying areas to monitor water levels as the nation’s flood response units remain on high alert. This weather system follows weeks of erratic monsoon patterns that have already saturated much of Thailand’s northern watershed regions.

-Thailand News (TN)