The Meteorological Department has warned seven southern provinces to brace for heavy rain and high seas from Feb 27 to March 2 as the northeast monsoon covering the Gulf of Thailand and the South is gaining strength.
The seven provinces are Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat.
Department chief Chatchai Promlert said rapid deployment emergency units, teams of civil defence volunteers and rescue units had been put on standby around the clock with necessary equipment.
People living on mountain slopes and in low-lying areas near the coastline, important economic zones and tourist spots should brace for heavy rain and strong winds.
High seas were expected in the Gulf and all vessels should proceed with caution. Small boats are advised to stay ashore from Feb 27-March 2.
In the lower North, Central and East regions, the forecast is for possible hot spells as a result of a moderate high pressure area extending over upper Thailand and the South China Sea.
Weather conditions are expected to fluctuate with thundershowers, isolated gusty winds and drop in temperature of 1-3°C.
In Chai Nat province, Pramote Onnom, director of the provincial meteorological office, said more summer storms were expected, similar to the one that hit the province on Saturday evening.
That storm damaged at least 20 homes in Hankha, Noen Kham, Wat Sing and Nong Ma Mong districts of Chai Nat.
The provincial governor has instructed all district chiefs to set up a centre to monitor the weather around the clock.