PATTAYA, Thailand: Intense rainfall pounded Pattaya in Banglamung district for more than an hour after 1 a.m. on Thursday, September 24th, 2026, causing widespread flooding on major roads and leaving motorcycles and small cars stranded in deep water.
Water accumulated quickly on key routes including Pattaya Soi 3, Pattaya Soi 2, Soi Buakhao, Sukhumvit Road, and both sides of the railway-side roads. Traffic ground to a halt in several spots. Drivers pulled over to wait for levels to drop. Across Pattaya city and Banglamung, standing water covered many streets.
Central Pattaya, a major commercial area, saw water rise high enough to enter some homes. Multiple motorcycles stalled after riding through the flood, and some cars were inundated. Strong currents knocked over motorbikes. Residents and passersby pushed vehicles to higher ground.
On Walking Street in South Pattaya, a popular nightlife and tourist strip, water covered the pedestrian path. Visitors waded in and out while rain continued. Some foreign tourists filmed the scene and danced in the flooded street, posting clips on social media.
Several motorists tried to drive through deep sections and broke down mid-road. Officials assisted stranded vehicles and managed traffic where water made passage difficult.
Pattaya City staff deployed to flood-prone points to ease congestion, issue warnings, and help affected drivers. Authorities urged caution if rain persists, as water levels could rise further. They advised avoiding high-water areas and monitoring updates. Officials said that once rain stops, many flooded spots typically drain within one to two hours and traffic can resume.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) had earlier forecast thunderstorms covering 80 percent of the Eastern region, with heavy rain in places. Chon Buri was listed among areas requiring vigilance.
For Thursday, September 24th, the TMD forecast for the Eastern region (including Chonburi) called for fairly widespread thundershowers and heavy rain, with very heavy rain possible in Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat. Temperatures were expected to range from a low of 22–24°C to a high of 27–30°C, with variable winds of 20–40 km/h. Wave heights in the Gulf were forecast at 2–3 meters, exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorms.
The outlook through Sept. 27 remains similar: fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy to very heavy rain across the East, with variable winds of 20–40 km/h. Friday, Sept. 25, falls within this period of continued wet conditions. Residents and visitors were advised to stay alert for flash flooding and accumulated rainfall.