Following yesterday’s tourism situation update urging ‘Tourists to exercise caution as Tropical Storm Pabuk approaches Thailand’, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) would like to reiterate that while the possible severe weather conditions have prompted temporary suspension of attractions and public services in some provinces in the South, tourism activities continue as usual in most parts of Thailand.
According to the Thai Meteorological Department’s weather warning, areas in the South that are expected to be affected by Tropical Storm Pabuk are:
- 4 January: Widespread rainfall with isolated torrential downpours and strong wind in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarart, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun.
- 5 January: Widespread rainfall with isolated torrential downpours and strong wind in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarart, Phatthalung, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun.
Thai authorities continue to be on high alert to ensure the safety and well-being of all people. In preparation for the possible severe weather conditions, authorities and businesses have temporary suspended operations in some provinces in the South, including:
- The Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has closed 17 national parks in five southern provinces during 3-5 January, 2019:
- Surat Thani: Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, Than Sadet–Ko Pha-ngan National Park, Khao Sok National Par (Ratchaprapha Dam area), Tai Romyen National Park, Khlong Phanom National Park, and Kaeng Krung National Park
- Chumphon: Mu Ko Chumphon National Park
- Nakhon Si Thammarat: Khao Luang National Park, Namtok Si Khit National Park,
- Krabi: Than Bok Khorani National Park, Mu Ko Lanta National Park, Mu Ko Similan National Park, and Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park
- Ranong: Laem Son National Park, Namtok Ngao National Park, Mu Ko Ranong National Park, and Lamnam Kra Buri National Park
- Samui Airport is closed to all flights today, and Bangkok Airways has cancelled all flights to and from the airport on this date. Passengers are advised to contact the airline’s Call Center at 1771 or Assistance Center number at +66 (0) 2270 6698.
- Thai Airways International has advised passengers with travel schedules on the Bangkok-Krabi and Bangkok-Phuket routes during 3-5 January, 2019, to check flight status updates on thaiairways.com and THAI Contact Centre at +66 (0) 2356 1111.
- Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport is closed to all flights today. This will affect services by Nok Air, AirAsia and Lion Air.
- Airports in other provinces in the South, including Surat Thani, Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, Chumphon, Ranong, Narathiwat and Trang are operating as usual. However, travellers are advised to contact their airlines for flight status updates.
- All speedboats and ferry services between Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao in the Gulf of Thailand have been cancelled during these few days of possible severe weather conditions.
- Ferry services between Ko Phi Phi and Krabi are operating as usual, pending weather conditions, wtih services between Ko Phi Phi and Phuket suspended as of 11.00 Hrs.
- Tourists staying in the areas that may be affected by possible severe weather conditions are advised to exercise extreme caution and stay alert as well as comply with the official instructions.
- In the event of an emergency or other cause for evacuation, tourists should not panic. They should keep all travel documents and personal belongings handy at all times and should be ready for an immediate evacuation to the areas provided by the authorities and remain there until the situation returns to normal.
Tourist activities continue as usual in Thailand
Elsewhere in Thailand, tourist attractions and public places should all be open as usual. All transport, banks, shopping areas, hospitals and other public services will be operating as usual. Thailand in January is in the period of time with nice fresh weather to explore various tourist attractions, as well as enjoy the diversity of events throughout the Kingdom.
TAT is constantly monitoring the situation and strictly follows the guidelines and measures set by the concerned Thai authorities.
To get a realistic assessment of tourism conditions on the ground, tourists and tourism-related operators can contact the TAT’s local offices in Thailand as listed here.
Emergency contact numbers:
TAT Contact Centre Hotline 1672
JS100 Radio Hotline 1137 or LINE @js100
Tourist Police Hotline 1155
