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Storm Pabuk: Tourists flee Thailand after weather warnings Storm Pabuk: Tourists flee Thailand after weather warnings
(35 minutes later)
Thousands of tourists and residents have reportedly fled islands off Thailand's south-east coast to escape an approaching tropical storm.Thousands of tourists and residents have reportedly fled islands off Thailand's south-east coast to escape an approaching tropical storm.
Authorities have also been preparing shelters for those deciding to stay put.Authorities have also been preparing shelters for those deciding to stay put.
Thailand's Met Office says Tropical Storm Pabuk will bring strong winds and 7 metre (22 ft) waves but it is unlikely to become a typhoon.Thailand's Met Office says Tropical Storm Pabuk will bring strong winds and 7 metre (22 ft) waves but it is unlikely to become a typhoon.
A weather warning has been issued but no evacuation order is in place.A weather warning has been issued but no evacuation order is in place.
The storm is expected hit the country's southern coast from Thursday, causing heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding.The storm is expected hit the country's southern coast from Thursday, causing heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding.
Thailand's Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said the military was on alert to assist people affected.Thailand's Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said the military was on alert to assist people affected.
Among the areas affected are Nakhon Si Thammarat, home to the popular tourist islands of Koh Phangnan, Koh Samui and Koh Tao. Among the areas in the path of the storm are Nakhon Si Thammarat, home to the popular tourist islands of Koh Phangnan, Koh Samui and Koh Tao.
Visitor numbers to the islands usually peak over the Christmas and New Year period.Visitor numbers to the islands usually peak over the Christmas and New Year period.
"I think the islands are almost empty," Krikkrai Songthanee, Koh Phangnan's district chief, told AFP."I think the islands are almost empty," Krikkrai Songthanee, Koh Phangnan's district chief, told AFP.
Images are circulating on social media of tourists and residents leaving various islands by boat for the Thai mainland.Images are circulating on social media of tourists and residents leaving various islands by boat for the Thai mainland.
However, bans on boats have been enforced in several areas including Phi Phi Island because of safety concerns. As a result, many tourists have been forced to stay put.However, bans on boats have been enforced in several areas including Phi Phi Island because of safety concerns. As a result, many tourists have been forced to stay put.
Swimming has also been banned in Koh Samui. But videos on social media showing people swimming in the island.Swimming has also been banned in Koh Samui. But videos on social media showing people swimming in the island.
Several airline have cancelled flights and said they were monitoring the weather. Bangkok Airways said it had cancelled some flights, whilst other airlines said they were monitoring the weather.
But authorities on some islands are have avoided enforcing bans or advising evacuations. Authorities on some islands are have avoided enforcing bans or advising evacuations altogether.
Chaiyan Thurasakul, mayor of the Koh Tao Subdistrict Municipality, told BBC Thai the island had prepared for risks of floods, landslides and strong waves.Chaiyan Thurasakul, mayor of the Koh Tao Subdistrict Municipality, told BBC Thai the island had prepared for risks of floods, landslides and strong waves.
"If the storm is severe for two to three days, we may have to ask for help from the main land for shipment of necessary items," said Chaiyan."If the storm is severe for two to three days, we may have to ask for help from the main land for shipment of necessary items," said Chaiyan.
Pabuk - which means giant catfish in Lao - is the first storm in nearly thirty years to hit the region outside monsoon season, which ends around November.Pabuk - which means giant catfish in Lao - is the first storm in nearly thirty years to hit the region outside monsoon season, which ends around November.
In 2011, devastating floods in Thailand killed 600 people and displaced thousands of others in more than a third of the country's provinces.In 2011, devastating floods in Thailand killed 600 people and displaced thousands of others in more than a third of the country's provinces.