Phuket red alert on October 29, 2026: what travelers should do

Heavy rain on Phuket did not stop: on October 29, 2026, the island's authorities declared a red danger level because of rising water in the Bang Yai canal. It is the second wave of bad weather within a week. The first, with a mudflow in Patong, is covered in Phuket floods in October 2026. Here is what changed and what to do if you are flying to the island in the coming days.

What is known as of October 29

According to Expert, citing The Nation and The Phuket News:

• Phuket City authorities declared a red danger level because of rising water in the Bang Yai canal;
• residents and businesses by the canal were asked to move valuables and electrical equipment to higher ground;
• the Khok Tanot road in the Karon area is closed, and in two places in Chalong the water is too deep for cars and motorbikes;
• residents of several Karon neighborhoods were offered evacuation because of landslide and mudflow risk and were housed temporarily in a school and a temple;
• on the morning of October 29, flooding was recorded in 21 places, including Chalong, Rawai, Kata, Karon, Phuket City and several main roads;
• street clearing continues in Patong.

Thailand's Meteorological Department warned that rain in the south may continue, with a risk of flash floods and landslides. Thunderstorms are forecast over 70% of the west coast of the south, with waves above 2 m during storms.

How it affects visitors

The same report quotes the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, which said hotels were not seriously damaged and no guests had asked to be moved. That statement dates from after the first mudflow on October 26, when about 143 mm of rain fell in 24 hours. The source reports no airport closure and no mass flight cancellations.

In practice the island works, but getting around is harder than usual:

1. Road to the airport. If your hotel is in Chalong, Karon or Kata, allow much more time for the transfer and leave earlier. Flooded sections can appear without warning.
2. Motorbikes and scooters. Water on Chalong roads was already impassable for motorbikes. In the rain use a taxi or a hotel transfer.
3. Beaches. With waves above 2 m and red flags, do not swim. Follow the lifeguards' flags.
4. Tours. Boat trips to the islands are often postponed in this weather. Ask the agency whether it refunds or reschedules.

What to do with your ticket

While your flight is not cancelled, the ticket stays valid, and changing it because of a forecast follows your fare rules. If the flight is delayed or cancelled:

1. Check the flight status on the airline's website and 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 and ask how to reach it from the airport and whether the access road is open.

Travel insurance

For a trip still ahead, check what your policy covers: trip cancellation, flight delay and medical costs. See travel insurance for trips abroad. Buy a policy before departure: it does not cover an event that has already happened.

Where else to look

Phuket's rainy season and the start of the dry season are explained in when to go to Phuket, and the west coast areas in Phuket beaches. For fares to Thailand see cheap flights to Thailand. Check live prices for your dates in the HotTrip flight search.

Frequently asked questions

What does the red danger level in Phuket mean?

It is the level declared by Phuket City authorities because of rising water in the Bang Yai canal after heavy rain. Residents and businesses by the canal were told to move valuables and electrical equipment to higher ground.

Is Phuket airport closed?

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

Which areas are hit hardest?

Flooding was reported in Chalong, Rawai, Kata, Karon and Phuket City. The Khok Tanot road in Karon is closed, and some Karon residents were offered evacuation because of landslide risk.

Can I swim now?

Waves may exceed 2 m in storms, so follow the lifeguards' flags and stay out of the water under red flags.

What if my flight to Phuket is cancelled?

The airline or the agency where you bought the ticket refunds it. See flight refund rights.

Cover: photo by Hussain Naushad on Pexels