Heads up for Power Outages in Thailand's Rainy Season? Squall/Lightning Countermeasures and Drinking Water Storage Methods

Thailand's Rainy Season: Are Power Outages Common?

Many Japanese people experiencing their first rainy season in Thailand are surprised by the intensity of the downpours.

Unlike the rain in Japan, which can last all day, here, it's intense for a short period and often accompanied by thunder.

While Bangkok's infrastructure is well-developed, meaning large-scale power outages are not frequent, short power interruptions (momentary outages) and localized blackouts can occur during the rainy season due to lightning strikes and their impact on the power grid.

Living in Thailand, you might experience:

• Sudden Wi-Fi disconnection
• Lights flickering off for a moment
• Your computer restarting unexpectedly

and similar incidents.

How do Thai downpours differ from Japanese rain?

Thai downpours are characterized by heavy rain over a short period.

Especially during the rainy season (around June to October), they can be accompanied by:

• Strong rain
• Lightning
• Gales

Sometimes the rain stops in about 30 minutes, but during that time, roads can flood and traffic jams can occur.

Additionally, lightning strikes can cause power issues, leading to power outages or momentary power interruptions.

Power outages are not just about lighting

Nowadays, many electronic devices are used in homes.

For example:

• Computers
• Wi-Fi routers
• NAS devices
• Televisions
• Security cameras
• Smart home appliances

Especially for those working from home, a sudden power outage can lead to data loss during work or the interruption of online meetings.

Therefore, many people in Thailand are more concerned about the impact of sudden power loss than the power outage itself.

Is a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) necessary?

A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) provides power for a certain period during an outage.

Its main purposes include:

• Safe shutdown of computers
• Protection of NAS devices
• Continuous operation of Wi-Fi routers

This is an effective measure, especially for those who use computers for work or store photos, videos, or business data.

Recently, relatively affordable UPS devices have become available and can be purchased in Thailand.

Drinking water can be an unexpected problem during a power outage.

When thinking about power outages, our attention tends to focus solely on electricity, but drinking water is actually also very important.

In some condominiums and houses, the water supply system relies on electricity.

Also, due to:

• Elevator stoppages
• Road flooding
• Traffic jams

it may not be possible to go shopping as planned.

Therefore, keeping a stock of drinking water provides peace of mind.

How much drinking water should I store?

General disaster preparedness guidelines recommend approximately 3 liters of drinking water per person per day.

It's important to consider not just drinking, but also:

• Cooking
• Brushing teeth
• Taking medication

If you have a family, it's reassuring to consider the amount to stock based on the number of family members.

The concept of "rolling stock"

Instead of just storing a large amount of water for disaster preparedness, there is a method called "rolling stock," which means "preparing while consuming as usual."

This method involves buying a little more of the drinking water you normally use, and then:

• Drinking it
• Replenishing it

This way, you always have fresh drinking water in stock.

Consider ONSENSUI99 as emergency water stock

ONSENSUI99 (Onsensui 99) is natural alkaline ionized water sourced from Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture.

It is ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7mg/L, characterized by its mild taste.

By using it as your regular drinking water and keeping a slightly larger stock, you can also use it as a precaution against power outages and water supply interruptions.

It is important to prepare for emergencies as an extension of daily life, rather than storing water specifically for emergencies.

Summary

During Thailand's rainy season, there is a possibility of:

• Squalls
• Lightning strikes
• Power outages
• Momentary power interruptions
• Water supply interruptions

Therefore, it brings peace of mind to be aware of:

• Power measures with a UPS
• Stockpiling drinking water
• Rolling stock

By preparing little by little as an extension of your daily life, rather than as special disaster prevention measures, you will be able to respond calmly in the event of an emergency.

FAQ

Are power outages common in Thailand?

It depends on the region, but momentary power interruptions and outages can occur during the rainy season due to squalls and lightning strikes.

Who is a UPS recommended for?

It is recommended for those who use computers or NAS devices, and for those who work from home.

Can water become unusable during a power outage?

Depending on the building's facilities, the water supply may be affected.

How much drinking water should I stock?

It depends on your family size, but keeping a little extra on hand daily provides peace of mind.

What is rolling stock?

It is a stockpiling method where you buy a little more of the daily drinking water and food you use, and then consume and replenish it.