Phuket floods in October 2026: what travelers with a ticket should do

Heavy rain hit Phuket and the southern provinces of Thailand on October 26, 2026, and water flooded the streets of the resort of Patong. If you plan to go to the island in the coming days, or are already on your way, three things matter: what is happening, how it affects flights and hotels, and what to do with your ticket. This summary follows media reports.

What happened

According to URA.RU, citing the Bangkok Post, about 143 mm of rain (142.8 mm) fell on the island in 24 hours. In Patong, torrents carried rocks and soil into the streets, damaged shop windows and flooded many cars. Authorities set up temporary shelters for local residents, and crews are clearing rocks, mud and rubbish from the streets.

Other reports:

• flooding was recorded in other parts of Phuket and in several southern provinces;
• the Nation reports more than 100 flooded houses, and says floods affected 20 provinces and Bangkok;
• in several hotels where tourists stayed, water entered the premises, and some hotels laid sandbags;
• the Patong area has been declared a disaster zone, according to the Telegram channel SHOT, quoted by URA.RU.

The source gives no figures for casualties.

Weather outlook

According to the forecast cited by URA.RU, heavy rain in the south would continue until Wednesday, October 28, 2026. Authorities did not say whether movement restrictions or evacuations of tourists were introduced.

A blogger living on the island, quoted by the outlet, described a more normal rhythm: in Kata there had been no rain since 11 a.m., water in flooded places had drained, roads were clear and shops and cafes were open. The downside, he said, was a dirty sea: swimming is worth waiting at least two days. These are different views of the same event: damage in Patong is serious, other parts of the island were already calm.

How it affects your flight

The source reports no closure of Phuket airport and no mass cancellations. For anyone flying in the coming days:

1. Follow the flight status on the airline's website and the departure airport's app, the day before and on the day.
2. For a delay, see flight delay and cancellation compensation.
3. For a cancellation, see flight refund rights.
4. Message your hotel, ask whether it is taking guests and which area it is in. Patong hotels were hit hardest.

Travel insurance

If the trip is ahead of you, check which cases your policy covers: trip cancellation, flight delay and medical costs. See travel insurance for trips abroad. Buy it before you fly: it does not cover an event that has already happened.

Where else to look

Bangkok is not on the Andaman coast, so it is a fallback for anyone who doubts the southern resorts: see Bangkok in 3 days and where to stay in Bangkok. For fares compare cheap flights to Thailand and check your dates in the HotTrip flight search. Thailand also postponed a planned exit fee: Thailand delays the 1,000 baht exit tax.

Frequently asked questions

Is Phuket airport closed because of the floods?

The sources used report no closure. Check your flight status on the airline's website.

When will the rain stop?

The forecast cited by URA.RU said heavy rain in southern Thailand would last until Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

Can I swim in Phuket now?

A local resident quoted by URA.RU said the sea was murky and suggested waiting at least two days.

Which areas were hit?

Patong most: flooded streets and cars, and the area was declared a disaster zone. Flooding was also reported elsewhere on the island and in the southern provinces.

What if my flight to Phuket is cancelled?

You can claim a refund from the airline, or from the agency where you bought the ticket. See flight refund rights.

Cover: photo by Hanif Ismail on Pexels