Flash floods hit all three districts of Phuket as Thailand's toll reaches at least 83

Flooding across the island

On Monday, 26 October, flash floods covered several areas of Phuket after heavy rain fell overnight, local officials said. All three districts of the southern island province were affected, including Phuket City, the provincial capital. Water levels began to drop by late morning, yet some lower-lying streets stayed submerged, and drivers of smaller vehicles were told to keep away from them. Images circulating on social media showed floodwater pouring into homes and across roads, with cars partly buried under mud and rocks.

Provincial deputy governor Romdon Hayiawae said mudslides also struck parts of the province. Crews worked to remove the debris before it could enter canals and block drainage. About 100 households were affected, and he reported no casualties.

Patong and Kathu under pressure

German reporting places the worst damage in Patong, a beach resort popular with tourists from around the world. Overnight, water and rocks ran down from the hillsides into residential streets and shopping areas, and authorities said homes, shops and vehicles were damaged. Kathu district, which includes Patong, was particularly hard hit. Mud and boulders blocked sections of road, shop windows broke, and some streets were closed to traffic. Excavators and other heavy equipment moved in to clear rubble and open drainage paths. Patong's municipal administration opened emergency shelters in the town hall, a school and a hotel. Authorities also reported flooding in other southern provinces.

Phuket is one of Thailand's main tourism hubs. The island recorded about 14 million visitors in 2025, more than 10 million of them from abroad, and Germany ranks among its key foreign markets.

Rain warnings and a national toll

The Thai Meteorological Department has warned of heavy, persistent rain across the south until Wednesday, 28 October, which could bring further flash floods and landslides. Large parts of Thailand are reaching the end of the rainy season, but the forecast keeps the risk in place for the coming days.

Flooding has hit many parts of Thailand since mid-September. As of Monday, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation counted at least 83 deaths, a national figure that covers the whole country rather than Phuket alone. In late September, Bangkok was inundated after days of heavy rain, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes and disrupting air traffic. Authorities in the capital declared a disaster in all 50 districts, and nationwide about 2.6 million people were affected, officials said.