Torrential rains flood roads and disrupt coastal life, with more storms on the horizon. (Photo – Soi Khao Talo recent flooding) PATTAYA, Thailand – Torrential rain slammed Pattaya late Sunday night and into Monday morning, soaking the beachside city and sparking renewed warnings about flash floods, landslides, and dangerous sea conditions across Thailand’s eastern provinces. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a weather alert for the region, including Chonburi, stating that “very heavy rainfall” is expected in some areas. Locals and tourists alike are being urged to exercise extreme caution, particularly in low-lying zones and foothill communities where the risk of flash floods and mudslides is elevated. Chonburi province, home to Pattaya, is one of several eastern areas on high alert — along with Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. The TMD attributes the wet conditions to the strengthening southwest monsoon and a monsoon trough sweeping through upper Thailand and northern Vietnam. In Pattaya, roads were slick and slow-moving on Monday morning, with traffic bottlenecks reported along key arteries like Sukhumvit Road and Central Pattaya. Street vendors were seen scrambling to protect their stalls, and beach tourism activities temporarily slowed as the rain persisted. Meanwhile, Bangkok and its surrounding metropolitan area is also bracing for more rain, with a 70% chance of thunderstorms and heavy downpours in some locations. For seafarers, conditions remain risky. Waves in the upper Andaman Sea are expected to reach 2 meters, with even higher surges in areas experiencing thunderstorms. The Gulf of Thailand will also see waves of 1–2 meters, prompting officials to advise small boats to remain ashore and all vessels to avoid stormy zones. As the rainy season intensifies, the Meteorological Department is reminding the public to monitor updates and avoid risky travel through flood-prone zones. Authorities are also asking travelers and residents to report clogged drains or storm damage to local municipal offices to help mitigate risks. “This is not just passing rain — it’s part of a regional monsoon pattern that will continue over the coming days,” a TMD spokesperson warned.