As heavy rains batter much of Thailand, Pattaya’s sun breaks through, keeping spirits high for locals and tourists. (Photo by Jetsada Homklin) PATTAYA, Thailand — Even as much of northern and northeastern Thailand brace for heavy rains and possible flooding, Pattaya continues to see moments when the sun peeks through the clouds, brightening up the city’s skies despite the seasonal showers. The Meteorological Department issued warnings on July 15 about heavy rains in areas including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Nong Khai, and Bueng Kan. Residents there are urged to be cautious of flash floods and sudden landslides, especially in mountainous and low-lying areas. Meanwhile, Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are also experiencing scattered heavy showers. Thailand is currently under the influence of a monsoon trough stretching across the upper northern region and northern Laos, combined with a strong southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, the Gulf of Thailand, and much of the country. The seas around the Andaman coast and the Gulf are experiencing rough conditions, with waves reaching 2-3 meters high, and over 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. Fishermen and boat operators have been advised to exercise extreme caution and avoid venturing out, particularly smaller boats in the upper Andaman Sea. Back in Pattaya, however, despite the overcast skies and occasional rain, residents and tourists often witness bright patches of sunshine slipping through the cloud cover. This fleeting sunlight provides a much-needed boost to outdoor activities, tourism, and the city’s signature beach atmosphere. Local vendors and visitors say that while the monsoon rains bring cooler temperatures and fresh breezes, the sun’s intermittent appearances remind everyone that the city’s warm and vibrant character persists through the wet season. For now, Pattaya remains a place where the sun always seems to sneak through the clouds — a beacon of brightness amid the rainy season’s more serious weather warnings elsewhere in Thailand.