Severe flooding struck Patong in Phuket, Thailand, after heavy rainfall left roads submerged and vehicles partially underwater on 28 October 2026.

Footage shared on social media showed chest-deep floodwater covering parts of the streets, with residents seen wading through the water to reach safety.

Several vehicles were also caught in the floodwaters, with some cars almost completely submerged. The situation prompted warnings for people to stay away from low-lying areas.

Patong’s Location Makes It Vulnerable To Flash Flooding

Despite Phuket being an island surrounded by the sea, parts of Patong are particularly vulnerable to flooding during periods of intense rainfall.

One social media user explained that Patong is surrounded by hills, with the town sitting in a low-lying basin-like area.

When heavy rain falls over the surrounding hills, water can rush downhill towards the town faster than the drainage system can remove it.

High tides can also make it more difficult for excess water to flow out into the sea, potentially worsening flooding.

Residents And Tourists Urged To Stay Away From Flooded Areas

The circulating footage attracted attention online, with users expressing concern over the submerged vehicles and the apparent severity of the flooding.

Some questioned why the area continued to experience flooding despite the problem recurring during periods of heavy rain.

Others pointed out that vehicles caught in deep floodwater could suffer extensive damage, particularly to their electrical and mechanical components.

Patong is one of Phuket’s best-known tourist destinations, attracting visitors from around the world for its beaches, nightlife and hotels.

The flooding is a reminder that travellers visiting Thailand during periods of heavy rain should pay attention to local weather warnings and avoid attempting to drive or walk through flooded roads.

Those currently in Phuket should follow local authorities’ instructions and avoid low-lying areas until floodwaters have receded.

Note: The report is based on footage and social media posts dated 28–29 October 2026. The precise extent of the damage and any reported casualties have not been independently established from the material provided.

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Severe Flooding Hits Patong In Phuket, Cars Submerged As Residents Wade Through Chest-Deep Water

Severe flooding hit Patong in Phuket, Thailand, on 28 October 2026, leaving parts of the popular tourist destination submerged after heavy rainfall.

Videos circulating on social media showed roads completely covered in floodwater, with some vehicles partially or almost entirely submerged.

Residents were seen struggling through chest-deep water as they attempted to reach safer locations, while motorists were left stranded as the floodwaters engulfed the streets.

A social media user who shared footage of the incident warned people to stay away from low-lying areas.

The situation attracted considerable attention online, with the footage reportedly receiving more than 43,000 views.

Patong’s Geography Makes It Vulnerable To Flooding

Although Phuket is an island surrounded by the sea, its geographical landscape does not mean every part of the island is protected from flooding.

One explanation shared in response to the footage pointed out that Patong is surrounded by hills and has a bowl-like geographical layout.

When heavy rainfall occurs, large volumes of water flow downhill from the surrounding elevated areas towards the lower parts of town.

If the drainage system cannot discharge the water quickly enough, flooding can develop rapidly.

The situation can become more challenging during high tide, when water levels at the sea may make it harder for excess rainwater to drain away.

This combination of heavy rainfall, runoff from surrounding hills and drainage limitations can contribute to flash flooding in the area.

Social Media Users Question Recurring Flooding

The footage sparked discussions among social media users, with some questioning why Patong continued to experience serious flooding during periods of heavy rain.

One commenter pointed out that flooding appeared to be a recurring problem and questioned whether sufficient investment had been made to improve the area’s drainage infrastructure.

Others discussed the geographical challenges of the town, noting that its development into a major tourist destination had increased the number of buildings, roads and vehicles in the area.

Some users also expressed concern about the condition of vehicles caught in the floodwaters.

Cars exposed to deep floodwater can suffer extensive damage, particularly if water enters the engine, transmission, electrical systems and vehicle interior. Even after the water recedes, affected vehicles may require extensive inspections and repairs.

Tourists Advised To Exercise Caution In Phuket

Patong is among Phuket’s most popular tourist areas, attracting large numbers of international visitors for its beaches, shopping, hotels and nightlife.

Flooding can create additional risks for both tourists and residents, particularly when roads become impassable and the depth of the water is difficult to judge.

Motorists should avoid driving through flooded roads, as even vehicles with higher ground clearance can lose traction or suffer engine and electrical damage.

Pedestrians should also avoid walking through fast-moving floodwater, which may conceal open drains, debris and other hazards.

Travellers currently in Phuket should monitor local weather updates and follow instructions issued by Thai authorities.

While the exact extent of the damage caused by the 28 October flooding was not established from the circulating footage, the incident highlights the vulnerability of low-lying parts of Patong during periods of intense rainfall.