Weather warnings miss Pattaya — Sunseekers enjoy a dry day while flash flood alerts hit the North. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand – While much of northern and northeastern Thailand braced for torrential rain and flash flood warnings, Pattaya and Jomtien beaches remained packed with sunseekers on July 13, as clear skies and calm seas continued to draw both Thai and foreign tourists. The Meteorological Department issued Weather Advisory No. 6, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in provinces such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Nan, and parts of Isaan, including Nong Khai and Bueng Kan. Flash floods, runoff, and travel disruptions were anticipated in multiple regions, especially in low-lying and hillside areas. But in contrast, Pattaya—shielded from the worst of the southwest monsoon and well outside the alert zones—remained largely unaffected, allowing beachgoers to enjoy a surprisingly calm and sunny day. Vendors returned to full operations, water sports resumed, and deck chairs filled early, particularly along Jomtien Beach, where families and weekend visitors gathered in large numbers. This divergence highlights the regional weather divide across Thailand. While the Andaman coast and northern mountains face heavy monsoonal impact, the eastern seaboard, including Chonburi province, has so far avoided the worst of this week’s storms. Marine authorities, however, still urged caution across both the Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand, advising small boats in storm-prone zones—especially off Ranong, Phang Nga, and Phuket—to remain ashore. Wave heights of 2–3 meters are expected, with stronger swells near thunderstorm areas. Back in Pattaya, the weather reprieve is a temporary boost to local tourism. As one beachfront vendor remarked, “We’ve been lucky so far — the forecast might say Thailand is raining, but here, it’s beach season.” Calm in Chonburi — Tourists pack Jomtien and Pattaya beaches despite nationwide weather alerts. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin)