Thai tourist resorts hit by flooding
Ten southern provinces have been affected by heavy flooding in Thailand, including the holiday islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
At least 18 people are reported to have died across the affected areas and many hotels and resorts have reportedly been under water in Koh Samui, although flood waters have begun to recede on the island since the weekend.
The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice as follows: "There continues to be widespread flooding in southern Thailand, including in Koh Samui, Krabi, Trang, and Koh Phangan, and other areas frequented by tourists.
"Some ferries and flights have been delayed or cancelled and road traffic is difficult. The local authorities are providing assistance to the worst affected areas.
"If you’re travelling in these areas you should check with your tour operator, monitor local media and follow the advice of the local authorities."
Thai authorities have also warned the public to be alert to the possibility of crocodiles on the loose.
A zoo in Nakorn Si Thammarat was breached by flood waters and wild animals may have escaped.
Nakorn Si Thammarat local official Manus Pongyeela said: "I was informed that some crocodiles could have escaped from the Thalad Zoo due to the high level of flood waters."
Nakhon Si Thammarat airport remains closed and dozens of flights have been cancelled in the last few days, stranding hundreds of passengers.
Rail tracks in parts of the south have also been washed away.
Samui tourism official Nongyao Jirundorn said: "Some tourists are enjoying the flooding. They’re taking pictures and going swimming."
The disaster has affected nearly a million people the Thai Interior Ministry said, and will take several days for flood waters to subside.
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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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