Flash Flood Chaos in Pattaya — Just under an hour of heavy rain on June 20 flooded low-lying areas like Khao Talo Railway Road, submerging vehicles and leaving engines stalled. PATTAYA, Thailand – A major shift in weather conditions is hitting Pattaya and surrounding areas this week, with the Thai Meteorological Department warning of increased rainfall and isolated heavy to very heavy showers across the eastern region. The sudden change has caught both residents and tourists off guard, following a week of scorching heat and relatively dry skies. According to the latest advisory, eastern provinces like Chonburi, including Pattaya, should prepare for torrential rain, potential flash floods, runoff, and possible landslides — particularly in low-lying areas, near foothills, and along natural waterways. The warning follows the strengthening of the southwest monsoon currently covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, combined with a monsoon trough stretching across northern Thailand and Laos into a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam. In Pattaya, skies turned grey by Saturday afternoon, and locals report increasing humidity and wind gusts along Beach Road, with storm clouds gathering offshore. Tourism operators, especially beach vendors and boat tour services, are being urged to monitor forecasts closely. With waves in the upper Andaman Sea expected to reach 2 meters and 1–2 meters in the Gulf of Thailand, the authorities are advising small boats and ferries to proceed with extreme caution — especially in areas experiencing thunderstorms, where waves can exceed 2 meters. “This is definitely a shift,” said a beach vendor near Central Pattaya. “Last week we were baking in the sun, and now we’re covering everything up and watching the sky.” The weather change is expected to continue throughout the week, with intermittent downpours possibly disrupting travel, outdoor events, and water activities. Authorities recommend the public stay alert to updates and avoid flood-prone zones when rainfall intensifies. Despite the gloomy forecast, some locals welcomed the change, hoping it might bring relief from rising temperatures and pollution. Others, however, worried about flooding, especially given Pattaya’s reputation for poor drainage in areas like Soi Khao Noi, Sukhumvit Road and the Third Road. For now, Pattaya residents are advised to prepare umbrellas, check flood alerts, and keep an eye on the horizon — this week, the skies may change faster than the tides. Mixed reactions in Pattaya as locals brace for heavy rain—relief from heat welcomed, but flood worries linger in low-lying areas.