A tropical storm is forecast to hit Southern Thailand on Thursday and continue until Saturday according to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), prompting tourists to flee the popular holiday destination.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has issued an official statement on the forecasted tropical storm, which has been named ‘Pabuk’ saying, ‘Tropical Storm Pabuk will affect the South with more rain and some torrential downpours during 3-5 January 2019.’
Forecasts have predicted that strong winds will be experienced in both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, and waves are expected to reach up to 3-5 metres high in the Gulf and 2-3 metres in the Andaman.
The TAT has cautioned tourists and tourism operators to exercise extreme caution, be alert and comply with official instructions provided to ensure their safety.
Tourists began leaving the island on Wednesday due to the warning, although there has been no official evacuation notice from the government.
All marine vessels will remain anchored during the storm period, and tourists were informed that all speedboats and ferry services between Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao have been cancelled until the storm is over.
The TMD provided a list of areas predicted to be affected by Pabuk. Areas such as Krabi island, Trang, Satun, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat will experience isolated torrential downpours and strong winds from 3-4 January.
Between 4-5 January, stormy conditions will hit Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phuket, Krabi and several other areas along the island.
All official Thai authorities are on alert to make sure locals and tourists are safe during this time, while the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has ensured all Southern Thailand-based offices are equipped to deal with the storm.
The Prime Minister General of Thailand, Prayut Chan-o-cha, told the local Thai media that his cabinet has been instructed to advise all trawlers and tourist boats to cease operations and exercise caution in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea.
Picture: Pixabay/ Phuket
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