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Holidaymakers flee Thailand tourist islands as massive storm approaches

Tens of thousands of holidaymakers and residents are fleeing some of Thailand’s most popular tourist resorts as what could be the worst tropical storm in decades approaches.

Ferry services and flights have been suspended and evacuations have begun as torrential downpours, strong winds and rough seas are expected in 16 provinces when Tropical Storm Pabuk makes its expected landfall late on Friday.

There are fears the storm will be the worst to hit Thailand since 1989, when Typhoon Gay left more than 400 dead.

It the path of the storm are the provinces of Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat, which are home to the popular tourist islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan.

ABC journalist Brad Ryan, who is holidaying on Koh Lanta island to the west of the mainland, said preparations were being made.

“Our Airbnb host suggested we stock up on supplies and batteries because there’s a good chance we will lose power, so we’ve bought a lot of food and water,” he told the ABC on Friday afternoon.

“But the information we’re seeing suggests it’ll be a lot worse for the islands off the east coast rather than the west coast so we’re not too worried.”

A Russian tourist in Koh Samui died on Wednesday as he tried to rescue his daughter, who was struggling in strong surf.

“A family of three went swimming but the strong current caught a 56-year-old man who drowned,” Samui Police captain Boonnam Srinarat  told AFP.

“Island officials announced the warning and put up the red ‘danger’ flags … but maybe the family did not think the situation was that serious,” he said.

Thailand’s Meteorological Department said Tropical Storm Pabuk would bring strong winds and seven-metre waves but is unlikely to become a typhoon.

Government spokesman Putthipong Punnakanta told CNN it was in the process of evacuating several thousand people over 16 provinces.

“It is high season, there are many foreign tourists at popular destinations,” Mr Putthipong was quoted as saying.

Local hotel operators on Thursday said they had been prepared for the storm and were ready to defend their guests and properties.

“Since the morning we have prepared sand bunkers and we have barricaded glass windows,” Ampawan Taopheng, manager of Lub D Koh Samui on Chaweng Beach said.

“We have also prepared first aid kits, torches, water, food and fuel for the hotel’s power generator,” Ms Ampawan said. 

She added that other hotel operators had made similar preparations.

Energy company PTT Exploration and Production also said it had suspended operations at Bongkot and Erawan, two of the country’s biggest gas fields in the Gulf of Thailand.

“Our immediate and urgent task is to do everything in our power to ensure safety and wellbeing of staff,” the company said.

Schools in coastal areas are to be closed and Thailand’s armed forces are on standby for Pabuk’s arrival.

-with AAP

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