Floods ravage Tak Province, forcibly displacing residents as water depths escalate, requiring immediate evacuations.
Tak Province, located in northern Thailand, is currently grappling with a severe flooding crisis, as a result of a low-pressure system covering northern Vietnam and a moderate southwest monsoon sweeping across the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand.
The provincial authorities have declared the highest level of emergency due to the flooding, urging the public to be cautious of flash floods, mudslides, and rivers overflowing, particularly in areas near foothills, watercourses, and low-lying regions that remain vulnerable from previous floods. The Rim Moei market area, for instance, is now impassable for small vehicles due to the rising water levels.
Residents in affected areas, including Tak Province, are advised to remain vigilant and take precautions against possible flash floods and heavy rainfall. As of 6:30 AM on July 30, the Rim Moei market in Tak Province is submerged by water more than 2 metres high. The water levels are expected to continue rising, posing a threat to homes and buildings, potentially reaching the second floor. If the situation worsens, residents have been instructed to follow evacuation instructions and head to designated safe areas.
The Northern Meteorological Centre predicts that heavy rain will affect 60% of the northern region from today until tomorrow. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) continues to warn of heavy rain and flash flood risks across multiple provinces due to persistent monsoon troughs and low-pressure systems.
The TMD also forecasts continued heavy rainfall in parts of northern Thailand, including potential flash floods in foothill areas and low-lying regions. A moderate southwest monsoon prevails over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, contributing to unsettled weather conditions. Thunderstorms are expected in about 60% of the northern region, including areas around Tak, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 26°C during the day and peaking between 32°C and 35°C.
Officials have warned against walking or driving through flooded areas, particularly where the water is flowing rapidly. The areas severely affected by the flooding in Tak Province include Rim Moei Market, Ban Rim Moei, Ban Huay Muang, and Ban Mae Taw. The governor of Chiang Rai has ordered preparations to mitigate the flood disaster.
Elsewhere, there have been two reported deaths in Japan's Kumamoto prefecture due to heavy rain. Meanwhile, the US Ambassador to Malaysia has urged Thailand and Cambodia to uphold the ceasefire. Myanmar's border with Tak has reported the discovery of a kamikaze drone on Tuesday.
As Tak Province battles against the floods, the broader region of northern Thailand, including Tak, was recently affected by Tropical Storm Wipha, which caused significant flooding and landslides across several provinces from July 21 to August 2, 2025[1][5]. The TMD continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as needed.
[1] Thai Meteorological Department [2] Bangkok Post [3] The Nation [4] Reuters [5] CNN
- The flooding crisis in Tak Province, a general-news topic, has also raised concerns about potential business disruptions due to the submerged Rim Moei market, a vital commercial hub.
- Amidst the ongoing flooding, crime-and-justice authorities should stay vigilant for potential incidents related to the evacuation of affected areas, as sudden movements of residents could create congestion and increase the risk of accidents.
