Thailand’s Royal Irrigation Department is advising people in eight southern provinces to brace for sudden flooding from Tuesday through Thursday next week, due to anticipated heavy rain brought by a strong cold front from China over the northern parts of Thailand.

This atmospheric change will bring cold weather to the northern and north-eastern regions but will cause heavy rainfall in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Ranong and Trang, said Prapit Chanma, director-general of the Royal Irrigation Department.

He advised relevant agencies in the southern provinces to monitor rainfall around the clock closely, saying that, if the rainfall exceeds 90mm in any location, they must immediately alert local people to prepare for evacuation.

Other areas to watch are mid-sized reservoirs, many of which are already 80% full, because the water is expected to overflow, threatening downstream communities.

Low-lying areas in Satun, Trang and Krabi are already experiencing flooding.

In Satun province, about 1,000 households in six sub-districts, including two villages of the Moken sea gypsies on Le Peh Island, are now under water.

In Lamtap district of Krabi province, residents of Village 4 inThung Sai Thong sub-district are facing the second flooding of the month.