Thais in Taiwan urged to follow directives as Typhoon Gaemi nears

Thais residing in Taiwan have been urged to adhere to directives from local officials as the island braces for Typhoon Gaemi, expected to hit tonight.

The Thailand Trade and Economic Office advised all Thais to cooperate with Taiwanese officials and stay vigilant.

Typhoon Gaemi is forecasted to make landfall in Taiwan later today, bringing heavy rain and strong winds after passing through the Philippines.

Financial markets have shuttered, employees have been given the day off, and several domestic and international flights, as well as school classes, have been cancelled, according to Reuters.

A review of social media channels of airlines flying from Bangkok to Taiwan today (Thai Airways International, China Airlines, and Eva Air) showed no flight cancellations.

Eva Air recommended that travellers remain informed about the situation and posted on X, formerly Twitter.

“Passengers are advised to check the flight status to get the latest update before heading to the airport.”

The Thai office in Taiwan highlighted that areas likely to be impacted by the typhoon include Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, and Kaohsiung, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, the Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) warned residents and holidaymakers to brace themselves for heavy rain over the next ten days, highlighting periods of reduced rainfall and times when heavy downpours are expected. A strong monsoon and a tropical storm on the horizon necessitate vigilance and monitoring.

The TMD updated its daily cumulative rainfall forecast (every 24 hours: from 7am to 7am the next day) and wind levels at 925hPa (750 metres) for the next ten days, from today, July 23 to August 1. Analysis was conducted using data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model. Red shading indicates heavy rain, while green indicates light rain.

From July 23 to 27, heavy rain and its distribution will slightly decrease, with some areas still experiencing rain. Specifically, in the monsoon-affected regions of Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Chanthaburi, and Trat, heavy rain may persist in certain areas.