BANGKOK — Giant waves are forecast to hit the coast of the Gulf of Thailand, prompting warnings for seaside residents to prepare to move to safer areas and for small boats to remain ashore from Jan. 6–9.
At 5 am on Jan. 6, the Eastern Southern Meteorological Centre issued its third advisory (No. 3/2026) on strong winds and waves in the Gulf of Thailand, effective from Jan. 6–9, 2026.
The warning said a fairly strong new high-pressure system, or cold air mass, from China is spreading south over Thailand and the South China Sea. Combined with a strengthening northeast monsoon covering the Gulf of Thailand, southern Thailand and the Andaman Sea, the conditions are expected to intensify during the period.
As a result, seas in the Gulf of Thailand are expected to become rough, with waves of 2–3 metres. In areas affected by thunderstorms, waves could exceed 3 metres.
Coastal residents are urged to beware of waves surging ashore. Mariners should exercise increased caution, avoid sailing in areas with thunderstorms, and small boats are advised not to leave port from Jan. 6–9.
Authorities urged the public to closely follow weather forecasts and updates from the Eastern Southern Meteorological Centre.