In Thailand, tens of thousands of tourists have fled the tropical storm "Pabuk". On the islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand, many tourists packed their belongings. The islands are now "almost empty," said Krikkrai Songthanee, the head of administration of Koh Phangan.
Residents also left their homes in the south of Thailand. Residents on the coast of Nakorn Si Thammarat province, where storm "Pabuk" hit land, would be brought to safety, the country's civil protection ministry said. In the coming days, the storm will also reach the popular tourist destinations Phuket, Ko Samui and Krabi, it said.
On Koh Samui drowned on Wednesday a Russian tourist. He had gone swimming with his family despite the prohibition on bathing, a police officer said. The 56-year-old man was pulled by the strong current into the sea. The authorities on Koh Samui have announced that they will set up shelters for tourists who want to stay on the island despite the storm.
Heavy rains and strong winds
"Pabuk" had moved at a speed of 65 kilometers per hour through the southern Gulf of Thailand to the mainland. The meteorological authority warned that "Pabuk" could become as destructive as Tropical Storm "Harriet", which killed nearly a thousand people in the country in 1962. It is the first tropical storm in about 30 years, reaching the region outside the monsoon season.
By Saturday, heavy rains were announced for most of the South. Boats were no longer allowed to run out. The authorities also banned swimming in the sea due to strong winds that could cause waves of up to five meters in height.
Private photos on social networks showed heavy rains and heavy swells in the area. There were no reports of first damage or injuries.