Phuket Hit by Flooding — Homes and Roads Heavily Affected

Phuket experienced continuous heavy rainfall starting from the evening of April 15 and continuing through April 16, resulting in widespread flooding across several areas in the province.

By Contributing Writer

The flooding affected areas in Mueang Phuket District and Thalang District, where water quickly accumulated on many roads due to the drainage systems being unable to cope. Notable areas impacted included Chao Fah East Road in Wichit Subdistrict, particularly in front of Phuket Villa California and Chom Thong 7 Village, where water levels reached 50-70 cm. Small vehicles were unable to pass through, and larger vehicles were forced to drive close to the road median. Flooding was also reported in parts of   Phra Phuket Kaew Road.

Mr. Wichit Suttasot, Head of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, reported that since the continuous heavy rain began around 6:30 PM on April 15, 2025, the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Center has been closely monitoring the situation. Flooding was reported in several locations but has now been resolved, with most areas returning to normal. In Mueang District, several homes were affected, including:

• Pracha Udom Community in Koh Sirey, Moo 1, Rassada Subdistrict — 5–6 houses flooded

• Chao Fah Village behind Toyota, Moo 2, Wichit Subdistrict — floodwaters entered homes

The Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Center, together with the district, local administrative organizations, relevant agencies, village headmen, and community leaders, conducted close surveillance of at-risk areas for flash floods, forest runoff, waterlogging, and landslides. Immediate reports were required for any arising incidents.

Why Does Phuket Flood Every Year, Despite Being an Island by the Sea?

Assoc. Prof. Sujarit Koonthanakulwong, Chair of the National Research Council of Thailand’s Water Management Research Program, explained,"At present, roads have essentially become drainage canals. Each municipality must urgently build flood barriers, maintain drainage systems, and prepare high-efficiency pumps to quickly discharge water to the sea. In addition, a rapid response plan is needed for flash floods — including designated evacuation areas, shelters, and emergency assistance.”

For long-term solutions, Assoc. Prof. Sujarit suggested that land use planning, water routes, and climate patterns, which are expected to intensify, must be considered. Responsibilities should be divided into three levels:

• Central Government: Manage major watercourses

• Local Authorities: Manage minor tributaries

• Provincial and Local Collaboration: Work together effectively

  
  

"We need a comprehensive water map," he added."This would clarify how much water each area can handle, where it should flow, and how to manage excess water. For example, if rainfall is 100 mm, and only 80 mm can be drained, the remaining 20 mm needs a designated place, not the roads. The simplest solution is for each city to have green spaces to absorb the overflow.”

Assoc. Prof. Sujarit emphasized the importance of land-use planning:"Local authorities must calculate sufficient areas to retain water. The problem over the past 20 years is that natural water-retaining areas have been converted into housing estates. Long-term planning must consider vertical solutions — improving water flow paths — and horizontal solutions, like city green spaces to hold water. If this is planned based on reliable data, we can achieve long-term stability.”

The key issues facing Phuket’s flooding are “urban development blocking natural water pathways” and “changing rainfall patterns.” Academics and NGOs who have worked in the Phuket area for many years agree that new construction projects have replaced or obstructed former water retention areas and drainage routes. This has become a primary reason why Phuket has experienced increasingly frequent and severe flooding over the past 3–4 years.