Thailand is bracing for a second tropical storm in two weeks, according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD).

The latest storm is expected to widen the damage caused by the previous one.

In its storm update released at 11pm on Thursday, the TDM said a low-pressure cell east of the Philippines had intensified into a tropical depression.

From Friday until Sunday, the depression is forecast to develop into a tropical storm, making landfall in the central region of Vietnam.

The approaching storm, the second to hit the country in two weeks, is likely to dump heavy rain and bring strong winds in the North, Central Plains and Northeast and the eastern region. Flash floods and water runoff are forecast in the affected areas, the weather bureau said.



The wet weather is predicted to add to heavy flooding in Nakhon Ratchasima, which forced a school in Chok Chai district to close indefinitely yesterday.


Authorities in provinces in the storm's path are preparing to cope with further damage.

To date, 15,740 households in 19 provinces have been affected by the flash floods and landslides. One person died.