Bangkok (VNA) – Typhoon Ragasa, now in the East Sea, will cause heavy rain and flooding in northern, northeastern, central, and eastern Thailand this week, the country's Meteorological Department said. Bangkok Post quoted Director-General of the department Sugunyanee Yavinchan as saying that the influence of Typhoon Ragasa will strengthen monsoon troughs over the North, the upper Northeast, and the Gulf of Thailand from September 23 to 26. During the period, Sugunyanee said, heavy and persistent rain as well as flooding is possible in the North, Northeast, Central Plain including Greater Bangkok, and the East of Thailand. Meanwhile in Laos, residents have been urged to prepare for the potential impacts of the typhoon, which is forecast to bring thunderstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds nationwide. Authorities have called on the public to remain vigilant and brace for prolonged heavy rain in the coming days.