Two storms will hit Thailand next week, potentially affecting Election Day on May 14, Rangsit University’s Climate Change and Disaster Centre said.
The centre’s director, Seri Suparatit, said in a Facebook post yesterday that two storms — one in the Indian Ocean and one in the South China Sea — are moving towards Thailand.
Cyclone Mocha is currently causing heavy rainfall in the Bay of Bengal, while another tropical depression was starting in the South China Sea near the Philippines. Mr Seri wrote in his post that the two storms would start to affect Thailand from May 9. However, the heat and a low-pressure trough will cause thunderstorms starting on May 8 in the central, eastern, northeastern and northern regions.
He also said there was a 30% chance that the general election on May 14 would see thunderstorms, especially in the South. With the election looming, Mr Seri suggested the Election Commission (EC) prepare indoor locations for poll booths before a storm hits.
“We still have a week; I would suggest the EC arrange indoor locations to prevent inconvenience on Election Day,” he wrote.
Mr Seri said heavy rainfall on Election Day could ruin ballot papers and boxes, as well as cause heavy traffic.