Thai flooding kills 14, holiday islands declared disaster zones
Sunday, 07 Dec, 2016
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At least 14 people have died after severe flooding swamped large areas of southern Thailand, including popular holiday hotspots.
After days of constant rain the popular tourist islands of Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan saw damage and disruption due to rising water levels and several beaches were closed.
"There has been heavier rain than usual which has caused drainage problems. Swimming is out of the question," Nongyao Jirundom from the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Samui told Reuters.
The National Disaster Warning Centre said 14 Thais were killed in several areas across the South.
No tourists were reported killed or injured but parts of 11 southern provinces were declared disaster zones by local authorities.
Floods had also destroyed the main rail line to the south which links Malaysia.
The flooding will likely affect travel around the country as Thailand gears up for the peak tourist season which begins this month.
Despite the disruption tourism officials still expect a record 32.4 million arrivals by the year-end.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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