PATTAYA, Thailand - The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) is closely monitoring a tropical depression in the Pacific Ocean that may intensify into a tropical storm. Initial forecasts suggest it could track toward southern China or northern Vietnam, potentially bringing increased rainfall to parts of Thailand, including Pattaya. Authorities urge the public not to panic.

Somkuan Tonjan, Director of the Forecasting Division at the Meteorological Department, said the depression, located east of the Philippines, could strengthen due to its location over the sea. It is expected to move northwest across Luzon in the Philippines into the northern South China Sea around October 3-4, before heading toward Hainan Island and making landfall in southern China or northern Vietnam around October 6-7. While the storm will not directly enter Thailand, it may cause higher rainfall in northern, northeastern, and eastern regions.

From October 3-5, rainfall is expected to decrease across Thailand, although isolated thunderstorms may occur due to a weakening southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. Meanwhile, easterly and southeast winds prevail across northeastern and eastern Thailand.

From October 6-8, rainfall is expected to increase, with heavy rain in the north, northeast, and eastern regions, as a monsoon trough passes through northern and northeastern areas. Although the southwest monsoon remains weak over the Andaman Sea, southern Thailand, and the Gulf, heavy rainfall may still occur in western parts of the north and central Thailand, including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Tak. Authorities advise residents in these areas to prepare for potential flash floods, landslides, and river overflow, particularly near waterways and low-lying areas.

For the upper Andaman Sea, waves are expected to reach 1-2 meters, rising above 2 meters in areas with thunderstorms. Mariners are urged to navigate cautiously and avoid stormy areas.