Phuket was left battered and on edge after a violent tropical storm tore across the island, killing one and injuring another, with officials warning the danger isn’t over yet.
Governor Sophon Suwannarat urged residents, tourists and boat operators to stay on high alert after the Sunday downpour unleashed chaos across all three districts, Mueang, Thalang and Kathu, smashing into 17 subdistricts, 32 villages, and nine urban communities.
The deadly drama unfolded on Koh Hey, where a massive tree toppled onto beach chairs, killing one person and injuring another, officials confirmed at a press briefing yesterday, July 21.
Although the storm has since weakened into a tropical depression, its impact continues to ripple across the island, with emergency teams racing to clear debris and restore damaged infrastructure.
“Even though the storm has passed, we are still seeing unstable weather and rough seas,” said Governor Sophon.
“We ask for continued cooperation from all sectors, especially small boats, to stay ashore until the situation improves.”
Waves in the upper Andaman Sea are still raging at 2–4 metres, and topping 4 metres in stormy zones, while further south they’re hitting up to 3 metres near thunderstorms. All vessels have been told to proceed with caution, and small boats have been grounded until further notice.
The Meteorological Department of Thailand issued a fresh warning, predicting more heavy rain, landslides, flash floods, and runoff in Phuket, Ranong and Phang Nga until at least Thursday, July 24, as the southwest monsoon continues to lash the region.
In response, disaster zones have been officially declared across Phuket to fast-track financial aid and state support, following Ministry of Finance rules.
Officials say the province’s 2025 Flood, Windstorm and Mudslide Disaster Response Plan was activated as early as Saturday, July 19, with pre-mapped risk zones, evacuation shelters and emergency gear already in place.
Crews from the Phuket Highway District, Provincial Electricity Authority, and local governments worked through the night clearing fallen trees from roads and rooftops. Traffic has since returned to normal.
Local relief centres have opened to collect damage reports and provide initial aid, with full assessments ongoing.
The governor urged the public to follow weather updates and listen to local authorities, stressing that Phuket isn’t out of the woods yet.
“Hazards remain,” he said. “Stay informed, stay safe.”
The story Gale warning! Phuket reels as freak storm rocks island (video) as seen on Thaiger News.
