Islands of Samui and Koh Pangan
	Surat Thani
	Chumphon
	Ranong

The north-easterly monsoons, locally known as the "winter monsoon wind", are making their impact felt in the eastern coastal provinces bordering the southern Gulf of Thailand, including the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Pangan, Surat Thani, Chumphon and Ranong.

	There is rain in some areas.
	While roads are flooded, traffic flow has not been affected.
	Waves are 1-2 metres high.

Announcements and warnings for Surat Thani province have been issued. For safety reasons, all travel by speed boats and smaller vessels have been temporarily suspended.

The following services are still operating normally.

	The Seatran Ferry and Raja Ferry service from Surat Thani to Koh Samui and Koh Pangan, cruises to Moo Koh Ang Thong National Park, the catamaran service from Koh Samui to Koh Pangan and Koh Tao remain in operation.
	Travel by air Bangkok Airways flights are still operating normally.

The province has been placed on high alert. Some 250 military and air force personnel from the Vibhavadi barracks and Air Force Wing 7 have been deployed to the area. A total of 22 irrigation pumps are on stand-by in case of flooding.

A 24-hour assistance centre has been set up in the Koh Samui district and municipality.

As a result of persistent rainfall, tourists have cancelled travel plans to Samui and Koh Pangan. Others have switched destinations. Occupancy rate is at 30 per cent.

As a result of various relief operations and immediate action being taken such as the drainage of floodwaters within the shortest possible time, the immediate repair of road surfaces, the restoration of basic infrastructure coupled with timely reports and frequent information updates on the latest situation, bookings for the Christmas and New Year period, particularly from the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Denmark and European countries, remain at 90 per cent.

	While steady rain falls on the mainland and the town of Surat Thani, there have been no reports of traffic accidents on Highway 41 or any disruption of travel.
	Flights to and from the islands and Ton Sak Pier-Koh Samui-Koh Pangan ferry services are operating normally. However all travel by smaller boats and live-in vessels have been temporarily suspended.
	The impact of the north-easterly monsoons are being felt in the area with occupancy rate in Surat Thani at 30 per cent.

The Surat Thani Disaster Prevention and Relief Centre has been issuing periodic warnings and frequent weather reports, providing early warning of flashfloods. The Centre is also responsible for the coordination of relief and rescue efforts.

	Thick cloud cover prevails with heavy rainfall in 70 to 80 per cent of the area.
	North-easterly winds are at speeds of 20-40 km/hour.
	Waves are 1-2 metres high.

	Cloudy skies and scattered rainfall in many areas
	Travel along Highway 4 has not been affected.
	For safety reasons, travel to the various islands by sea has been halted.
	With the exception of catamaran services, all other boat services have been temporarily suspended.
	As a result of the prevailing weather, wind and wave conditions, there have been travel cancellations and occupancy rate in Chumphon province is at 30 per cent.

The Disaster Prevention and Relief Centre has organised drills to prepare local residents for immediate evacuation in the event of heavy downpours and flashfloods occurring. Frequent announcements and weather reports are being issued.

	Heavy with thunder and lightning in 70-80 per cent of the area.
	Heavy and torrential rain in others.
	North-easterly winds blowing at 20-40 km/hour.
	Waves are 1-2 metres high.

	Cloudy with scattered rain .
	Road conditions are normal with no reports of accidents.
	Travel has not been affected.
	Travel to Koh Chang and Koh Payam has not been interrupted.
	Air services are operting normally.
	Occupancy rate is at 30 per cent as a result of the impact of the northeasterly monsoons over the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman.

The Disaster Prevention and Relief Centre is constantly monitoring weather reports issued by the Meteorological Office and has been issuing frequent reports and public warnings.

	Scattered thunderstorms in 40 to 60 per cent of the area and heavy rainfall in others
	North-easterly winds at speeds ranging from 15 to 35 km/hour

Contact information:
The Southern East Coast Meteorological Centre at Phra Saeng District
Tel: 077 369 177
Web site: www.songkhla-met.org