Thailand's Floods Swing Wildly: Minimal in 2023, Severe in 2025
Thailand's annual flood levels are primarily influenced by the El Niño-La Niña cycle, with recent years showing extreme variability in clima. The year 2023 saw minimal flooding, while 2025 has already witnessed significant inundation.
GISTDA satellite data reveals extreme rainfall variability in Thailand over the last four years. The ENSO phenomenon and indirect impact of storms are key factors in Thailand's flood risks. Tropical Storms Vamco and Nangka contributed to exceptional rainfall and flooding in 2022, despite not making direct landfall. In contrast, 2023 saw the least flooding, with just over 675,000 rai inundated. Flood-affected areas ranged from 600,000 to 5 million rai between 2022 and 2023. Years influenced by La Niña, such as 2022 and 2025, experienced severe flooding affecting over 4.8 million rai.
The El Niño-La Niña cycle and tropical storms significantly impact Thailand's flood levels. While 2023 saw minimal flooding, 2025 has already experienced significant inundation, highlighting the need for continued monitoring and preparedness.
