Chiang Mai Living Guide

Safety & emergencies

Preparing for floods and earthquakes in Chiang Mai

Family contact plans, essential supplies, flood evacuation and protection during earthquakes.

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A first-aid kit as an example of emergency supplies
A first-aid kit as an example of emergency supplies · Santeri Viinamäki · Photo source · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and converted to WebP; display may crop.

Start with these three things

  1. During flooding, avoid deep or fast-flowing water and evacuate by a safe route.
  2. DDPM advises getting low, taking cover and staying away from glass windows and doors during an earthquake.

Planning tips (not official rules)

  1. Check your home's evacuation route and a family meeting place before a disaster occurs.

Steps

"Tip" marks a planning suggestion, not an official rule.

  1. Monitor weather, water levels and provincial announcements, and keep essential supplies easy to reach.
  2. Tip Ask the building manager about emergency stairs, evacuation locations and arrangements for people who need mobility assistance.
  3. Tip Agree on contact methods, meeting places and what to do if family members are separated and cannot reach one another.
  4. During flooding, avoid deep water, strong currents and electrical wires, and use a safe route.
  5. When evacuating after an earthquake, use emergency stairs. Once outside, move to an open area and watch for aftershocks.
  6. Tip Once safe, tell the relevant people that you are safe and where you are.

What to prepare

Planning tips (not official rules)

  • Gather everyday essentials such as drinking water, food, usual medicines and a medicine note, glasses, lighting and chargers.
  • Keep copies of identity, insurance and family contact information in an accessible waterproof bag or similar container.
  • Add items needed by your household, such as mobility aids, children's supplies or pet supplies. Check the weight in practice.

Where to ask

Provincial and local disaster offices, DDPM and your building manager

Reception hours are not yet confirmed. Check with the office before visiting.

Things to watch for

"Tip" marks a planning suggestion, not an official rule.

  • Tip Do not treat old flood photographs or information from another province as conditions where you are now. Check the location, date and time of the announcement.
  • Official flood guidance warns against approaching electrical wires or objects that conduct electricity.
  • Tip Do not enter dangerous water or return to a damaged building to attempt a rescue. Report the situation to official rescue services.

Before heavy rain arrives

Thai government public-relations guidance advises checking provincial and other official updates on rainfall, water levels, risk areas, roads and evacuation locations.

Planning tips (not official rules)

Ask the manager or neighbours about safe routes around your home and where to obtain official evacuation information. Prepare to check the day's road conditions rather than relying only on a normal map route.

Reviewing earthquake preparations together

DDPM's earthquake guidance includes taking cover, keeping away from glass, using emergency stairs when evacuating and staying alert for aftershocks.

Planning tips (not official rules)

Identify places to take cover at home and review objects that could fall or block routes. Ask the manager about the building's evacuation procedure and agree who will help anyone with a disability.

Preparing to receive and share information

The Japanese missions' safety guide covers emergency information through overseas residence registration and TabiRegi, along with preparing contact networks and temporary evacuation places in advance.

Planning tips (not official rules)

Prepare paper contact details and meeting places for relatives who cannot use a smartphone. Practise sharing information in mutual-help exercises, and prioritize access to official reporting and evacuation information during an actual disaster.

Check the latest announcements from the local authority and disaster officials for where and when to evacuate.

Sources & dates checked

  1. OfficialGovernment Public Relations Department of Thailand (DDPM disaster guidance) ปภ. แนะ 7 ทริก รู้รอด ปลอดภัย จากแผ่นดินไหวGovernment Public Relations Department of Thailand (DDPM disaster guidance) · Checked 2026-10-11
  2. OfficialRatchaburi Provincial Public Relations Office, Thailand เตรียมรับมือ อุทกภัยRatchaburi Provincial Public Relations Office, Thailand · Checked 2026-10-11
  3. OfficialMinister Supamas Directs Enhanced Flood Warnings and Full-Cycle Aid for Affected ResidentsGovernment Public Relations Department of Thailand · Checked 2026-10-11
  4. OfficialEmbassy of Japan in Thailand / Consulate-General of Japan in Chiang Mai タイでの安全の手引き（2026年）Embassy of Japan in Thailand / Consulate-General of Japan in Chiang Mai · Checked 2026-10-11