South —
On January 12th, 2025, a powerful cold front from China spread over Thailand and the South China Sea, intensifying northeast monsoon winds and causing severe impacts across the Gulf of Thailand. Coastal provinces faced high waves, flooding, and significant disruptions.
In Surat Thani, districts along the Gulf coast, including Don Sak, Kanchanadit, Tha Chana, Chaiya, and Mueang, faced waves as high as 3–4 meters. The waves caused flooding, damaged homes, and overwhelmed drainage systems.
Provincial Governor Theerut Supawibulpol ordered disaster relief teams and local authorities to assist affected residents and assess damages. Evacuations may be initiated if the situation worsens.
Fishermen and small boats were strictly prohibited from leaving shore, while ferry operators were instructed to prioritize safety or halt services.
Ferry operator Lomprayah suspended trips to Ang Thong National Marine Park, Koh Tao, and Koh Nang Yuan from January 11th to 13th due to dangerous sea conditions in the Gulf of Thailand.
Cha-Am Beach in Phetchaburi also experienced severe conditions, with 2–3-meter waves eroding a 500-meter stretch of coastline and reaching tourist areas. Vendors were forced to scale back services, and hotels raised warning flags, prohibiting swimming to protect tourists from the high-risk waters.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
