Bangkok: Storm “Rakasa” is expected to make landfall in Vietnam on September 25-26. Continuous rain is expected in upper Thailand.
According to Thai News Agency, the Meteorological Department predicts that Tropical Storm Rakasa will weaken into a tropical storm before making landfall in northern Vietnam on September 25-26. This development is anticipated to cause a strengthening of the monsoon trough and southwest monsoon, prompting warnings for the northern, northeastern, and lower eastern regions about potential heavy rain, flooding, and flash floods.
Mr. Somkuan Tonjan, Director of the Meteorological Department’s Weather Forecast Division, disclosed that Typhoon Rakasa moved into the upper South China Sea last night. It is currently advancing westward toward Hong Kong, along the Chinese coast, passing Hainan Island, and into the Gulf of Tonkin. It is expected to weaken into a tropical storm before reaching northern Vietnam between September 25 and 26, 2025.
Despite the anticipated weakening of the storm due to its interaction with a cold air mass from southern China, it will still affect weather patterns in Thailand. The monsoon trough and the southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand are expected to intensify, leading to increased rainfall in upper Thailand.
For the period of September 23-30, 2025, rainfall will be influenced by the monsoon trough passing through the lower northern and upper northeastern regions, along with a moderate to strong southwest monsoon. Areas of concern for heavy rain include the northern region (Mae Hong Son and Tak), northeastern region (Mukdahan, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani), and the eastern region (Chanthaburi and Trat).
Residents in the Chao Phraya River Basin, particularly in low-lying zones or along the main river, should be alert for rising water levels due to accumulated rainfall. Meanwhile, the southern region is expected to receive less rainfall compared to other areas.
The Meteorological Department cautions individuals in hillside areas, near waterways, and urban communities about the risks associated with heavy and accumulated rains, including flash floods, forest runoff, and urban flooding. Additionally, there is a need to monitor the potential formation of new storms in late September and early October, as they are likely to become more frequent. The Meteorological Department will keep a close watch on the situation and provide regular updates to the public.