Two storms to hit Thailand affecting Election Day, warns disaster centre

Rangsit University’s Climate Change and Disaster Centre expects two storms are set to hit Thailand next week, with potential impacts on General Election Day, May 14.

The centre’s director, Seri Suparatit, revealed in a Facebook post yesterday that two storms – one originating in the Indian Ocean and the other in the South China Sea – are moving towards Thailand. Cyclone Mocha is currently producing heavy rainfall in the Bay of Bengal, while another tropical depression is beginning in the South China Sea near the Philippines. Suparatit’s post indicated that the two storms would start affecting Thailand from May 9. Nonetheless, the heat and a low-pressure trough are expected to cause thunderstorms starting on May 8 in the central, eastern, northeastern, and northern regions.

Suparatit also mentioned a 30% likelihood of thunderstorms on election day, particularly in the southern parts of Thailand. With the election fast approaching, he recommended that the Election Commission (EC) prepare indoor locations for polling booths to avoid disruptions due to any storm. Suparatit said..

“We still have a week; I would suggest the EC arrange indoor locations to prevent inconvenience on Election Day.”

He also warned that heavy rainfall on General Election Day could damage ballot papers and boxes and cause significant traffic issues.

Thailand’s rainy season typically occurs from May to October, with the highest rainfall usually in September and October.