Storms on the way – weatherman

PHUKET: The weatherman has warned that a strong southwesterly monsoon over the Andaman Sea and the southwestern coast of Thailand is expected to hit Phuket very soon. Tawat Tantham-nu, director of the Southwestern Regional Meteorological Center, told the Gazette today that the system will bring a mix of clouds and heavy downpours to the island over the next few days. He also warned that wave heights on the island’s southwest coast could reach two meters. Kata and Karon beaches will be hardest hit, he added. Wirot Suwanwong of the Phuket Provincial Reference Office – the provincial government’s own security agency – said boaters and swimmers should be extra cautious, and urged owners of small boats to keep them in shelter until the weather improves. Tourism Authority of Thailand statistics show that drowning is the leading cause of death among tourists during the southwestern monsoon season, which stretches from May to October.