Thailand’s National Water Command Centre has advised people living in low-lying areas, at the foot of mountains and near rivers in 22 districts of nine provinces to brace for flash floods, waterway overflows and mud slides, due to heavy rain expected in the next three days.

The 22 districts expected to be affected are:

• Tha Song Yang, Mae Ramat and Umphang in Tak
• Omkoi in Chiang Mai 
• Khlung, Tha Mai, Khao Kitchakut, Mueang, Makham, Kaeng Hang Maeo and Pong Nam Ron in Chanthaburi
• Prachantakham, Na Di and Kabin Buri in Prachin Buri
• Bo Rai, Ko Chang and Khao Saming in Trat
• Khao Chamao and Klaeng in Rayong
• Pak Phli in Nakhon Nayok; Si Racha in Chon Buri
• Thong Pha Phum in Kanchanaburi

According to the Meteorological Department’s weather forecast on Wednesday, thunderstorms are likely across the country, but especially in the west, and isolated heavy rain is possible in the north, northeast and east.

This is due to a moderate south-westerly monsoon prevailing across the Andaman Sea, the south and the Gulf of Thailand. Meanwhile, the monsoon trough lies across the extreme north and Laos, meeting a low-pressure cell over northern Vietnam.

There are moderate winds over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf and wave heights are up to two metres in the southern Andaman Sea and northern part of the Gulf.