Heads up for Power Outages in Thailand's Rainy Season? Squall/Lightning Countermeasures and Drinking Water Storage Methods
Do power outages really happen during Thailand's rainy season?
Many Japanese people experiencing the rainy season in Thailand for the first time are surprised by the intensity of the squalls.
Unlike Japan's rain, which can last all day, Thailand's squalls bring short, intense downpours, often accompanied by thunder.
In Bangkok, infrastructure development is progressing, so large-scale power outages are not frequent. However, during the rainy season, momentary power outages (momentary interruptions) or regional power outages can occur due to lightning strikes or impacts on the power system.
Living in Thailand, you might experience things like:
- Sudden Wi-Fi disconnection
- Lights flickering off momentarily
- Computers restarting unexpectedly
sometimes.
How do Thai squalls differ from Japanese rain?
Thai squalls are characterized by a large amount of rain falling in a short period.
Especially during the rainy season (around June to October), they can be accompanied by:
- Heavy rain
- Lightning
- Sudden gusts of wind
While the rain might stop in about 30 minutes, roads can flood and traffic jams can occur during that time.
Also, lightning strikes can cause power problems, leading to power outages or momentary interruptions.
It's not just lighting that's a problem during a power outage
In recent years, many electronic devices are used in homes.
For example,
- PCs
- Wi-Fi routers
- NAS
- TVs
- Security cameras
- Smart home appliances
and so on.
Especially for those who work from home, sudden power outages can lead to loss of in-progress data or interruption of online meetings.
Therefore, in Thailand, many people are more concerned about the effects of a sudden power loss than the power outage itself.
Is a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) necessary?
A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) is a device that provides power for a certain period during a power outage.
Its main purposes are:
- Safe shutdown of computers
- Protection of NAS
- Continuous operation of Wi-Fi routers
and so on.
It is an effective measure, especially for those who use computers for work or store photos, videos, and business data.
Recently, relatively affordable UPS units are also available and can be purchased in Thailand.
Drinking water is an unexpected problem during a power outage
When thinking about power outages, our attention tends to be solely on electricity, but drinking water is actually crucial.
In some condominiums and houses, water supply facilities rely on electricity.
Additionally, due to factors like:
- Elevator stoppage
- Road flooding
- Traffic congestion
it may not be possible to go shopping as desired.
Therefore, always having a stock of drinking water on hand provides peace of mind.
How much drinking water should I store?
General disaster preparedness guidelines recommend about 3L of drinking water per person per day.
In addition to drinking, it is necessary to consider:
- Cooking
- Brushing teeth
- Taking medicine
If you have a family, it's reassuring to consider the amount of water to stock based on the number of people.
The concept of rolling stock
Instead of just storing large amounts of water for disaster preparedness,
there is a method called "rolling stock" which means "preparing while consuming regularly."
This method involves buying a little more of your usual drinking water, and then
- drinking it
- replenishing it
repeatedly.
This way, you can always have fresh drinking water in stock.
Considering ONSENSUI99 as emergency water stock
ONSENSUI99 (Onsensui 99) is natural alkaline hot spring water sourced from Tarumizu City, Kagoshima Prefecture.
It is ultra-soft water with a hardness of 1.7 mg/L, characterized by a smooth taste.
By using it as your regular drinking water and stocking a bit extra, it can also be utilized as a provision for power outages and water supply interruptions.
It is important not to store water specifically for emergencies, but to prepare for them as an extension of daily life.
Summary
During Thailand's rainy season, there is a possibility of:
- Squalls
- Lightning
- Power outages
- Momentary power interruptions
- Water supply interruptions
Therefore, it brings peace of mind to consider:
- Power countermeasures with a UPS
- Stockpiling drinking water
- Rolling stock method
By gradually preparing as an extension of daily life, rather than special disaster prevention measures, you will be able to respond calmly in the event of an emergency.
FAQ
Do power outages occur frequently in Thailand?
It varies by region, but during the rainy season, momentary power interruptions and outages can occur due to squalls and lightning.
Who is a UPS recommended for?
It is recommended for those who use computers or NAS, and those who work from home.
Can water become unavailable during a power outage?
Depending on the building's facilities, the water supply may be affected.
How much drinking water should I store?
It depends on the family structure, but it is reassuring to keep a little more than usual in stock.
What is rolling stock?
It is a stocking method where you buy a little extra of your everyday drinking water and food, and then consume it while replenishing it.
