Tens of thousands of tourists in Thailand have reportedly fled popular resort islands as tropical storm Pabuk approaches.

Ferry services and flights have been suspended and evacuations have begun in Thailand ahead of the storm which is expected to pound southern beach resorts.

The country’s Meteorological Department has warned residents to prepare for strong winds and rough seas and waves of up to 6.7 metres have been predicted for some areas.

Rain is already falling around the Gulf of Thailand and torrential downpours are expected in 16 provinces when Pabuk makes its expected landfall late on Friday.

phuketrichard wrote: ↑Fri Jan 04, 2019 8:40 am most of the tourists have left Koh Tao, Koh Phang nga and Samui and the east coast is heading inland

Why ? Dont they have man made structures/ houses to take shelter in there ? I would certainly not be leaving if I was there !

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The Phang Nga provincial administration Monday declared five flooded districts as disaster zones to speed up assistance to affected residents, the provincial governor said.

Phang Nga governor Siripat Pattanakul said Kapong, Thay Muang, Takua Pa, Muang and Takua Thung districts had been declared disaster zones following recent flooding that affected 1,700 people from 442 families.