Tourists warned of storm dangers as Similans closed

– Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community

PHUKET: Phang Nga’s Similan Islands National Park ordered the Similan and Tachai islands to be closed until Friday as a precaution for tourists’ safety from storms and high waves.

Park chief Nat Kongkesorn warned that tour companies and tour boats were advised to stay ashore until the weather conditions improved.

“If a tour boat sneaks into these islands during this risky period, the park will punish it with the full legal measures – up to one month in jail and Bt1,000 in fine,” he said.

Tourists could travel to other attractions such as Ao Phang Nga, Koh Khai, Koh Yao, Koh Khor Khao, and Khao Lak beach as normal, he added.

The warning follows the rescue of a tourist speedboat that was struck by lightning while returning from a day trip to the islands on Monday night. The lightning strike rendered the boat’s communications and navigation systems useless, leaving the captain with little idea of which way to steer the boat.

All 32 tourists and five crew on board were recovered alive and well (story here).

— Phuket Gazette Editors