In Phang Nga province, the beaches of popular tourist area of Khuek Khak subdistrict in Takua Pa are currently best avoided as the poundering waves have even uprooted pine-trees planted on the beach for protection.
Trees were torn out in Muang, Thalang and Kathu districts in Phuket and the beaches of Patong, Karon, Kata, Surin and Kamala are all have red flags errected due to stormy weather conditions.
In Ranong, both Koh Phayam and Koh Chang Noi experience huge waves, too, with speedboats to and from the mainland cancelled until the weather improves.
While high waves and stormy weather are usual for the monsoon period in Thailand, in recent years many resorts on islands in the Andaman Sea switched their schedule from 'November–May Only' to 'All Year Round' remaining open and welcoming guests during the rainy season as well. The weather does remain unpredictable during summer but overall tranquillity and fewer tourists normally compensate that.
Red Flags Along Andaman Coast Due to Extreme Weather Conditions
News in Asia
As the whole Andamand Coast region in Thailand is taken over by strong wind and waves, the red flags have been installed on the beaches in Ranong, Phang Nga and Phuket provinces to warn the tourists about hazardous swimming.