The warning comes after an 18-wheeled truck and trailer became stuck on the incline yesterday (May 22), failing to gain traction in the wet conditions.
The incident caused significant traffic delays and highlighted the risks of using the mountain route during the rainy season.
“Due to the rainy season, the roads are slippery. Please drive carefully. Heavy trucks should avoid the Patong Hill route,” Patong Police said in a post online.
The advisory coincides with a weather warning issued this morning (May 23) by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), forecasting continued heavy rainfall and strong wind waves in the upper Andaman Sea through to Sunday (May 25).
Wirote Lewcharoenthrap, Director of the TMD’s Southern Meteorological Center (West Coast), based near Phuket International Airport, warned that a moderate southwest monsoon is bringing heavy to very heavy rain to parts of Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket and Krabi.
“People should beware of severe conditions,” Mr Wirote said.
He also warned that waves in the upper part of the Andaman Sea could reach around two metres high, and even higher in areas experiencing thunderstorms.
All vessels should exercise caution, avoid sailing near stormy areas, and small boats in the upper Andaman Sea are advised to stay ashore, he added.