Severe Weather Hits Koh Phangan and Surrounding Areas

On December 28, 2024, heavy rain and runoff affected several districts in Surat Thani province, particularly the tourist island of Koh Phangan. The intense rainfall triggered significant flooding, leading to the dramatic incident of a pickup truck being swept into the sea at Thong Nai Phan.

Pickup Truck Swept Away by Floodwaters

The pickup truck, owned by hotel employee Atsawin Busaba, was carried away by surging runoff from nearby hills. The vehicle became stuck at the mouth of a canal before being swept into the ocean. Fortunately, no one was inside the truck at the time. Atsawin reported witnessing the event but was unable to intervene as the current was too strong.

Viral Video Captures the Incident

A video of the pickup truck being swept away quickly went viral on social media, capturing the attention of many. Witnesses reported seeing other items, including a refrigerator and household goods, carried away by the powerful currents. Despite the chaos, onlookers refrained from attempting to help due to the dangerous conditions.

Flooding Affects Local Infrastructure

The flooding also impacted local infrastructure, with Ban Thong Nai Phan School inundated with approximately 30 centimeters of water in one building and its canteen. Fortunately, the school was closed for New Year holidays, preventing any disruption to classes. Additionally, floodwaters surrounded government offices, including the Koh Phangan district office and police station.

Ongoing Flooding Concerns in Surat Thani

As floodwaters continued to rise on main roads in front of various establishments, officials began assessing the damage once the rain subsided in the afternoon. Residents affected by flooding were advised to report to local authorities for assistance.

Warnings Issued for Continued Severe Weather

The Meteorological Department has issued warnings for strong winds and rain expected to persist until January 1, 2025, affecting southern provinces such as Phetchaburi, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. The northeastern monsoon is causing strong waves in the Gulf of Thailand, with heights reaching up to 3 meters in storm-affected areas. Small boats have been advised to remain ashore due to hazardous conditions.

Community Preparedness Amid Adverse Weather

The recent heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding on Koh Phangan highlight the importance of community preparedness during adverse weather conditions. As authorities continue to monitor and respond to the situation, residents are urged to stay vigilant and heed safety warnings.

PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Visits Southern Bus Terminal

On December 28, 2024, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited the Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal in Taling Chan district to ensure the safety of travelers heading to southern Thailand during the New Year holidays. The inspection aimed to assess safety standards for public vehicles and drivers, including shift changes and alcohol testing.

Commitment to Passenger Safety

In a social media post, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of passenger safety, stating, “Today we inspected the safety standards of both public vehicles and the drivers.” She wished all Thais a safe journey home to spend time with their loved ones and urged motorists to avoid drinking and take breaks if they feel fatigued.

Previous Inspection at Northern Bus Terminal

The Prime Minister also visited the Bangkok Northern Bus Terminal, known as Mo Chit 2, on December 27. During this visit, she advised transport officials to strictly adhere to safety regulations and ensure that adequate vehicles are prepared for travelers returning to their hometowns for the holidays.

Special Holiday Announcement for New Year

To facilitate domestic travel, the government has declared December 30 as a special holiday, creating a five-day long weekend from December 28 to January 1. This initiative aims to encourage more people to travel during the festive season.

Anticipated Travel Volume During Holidays

The Transport Ministry estimates that approximately 17.37 million personal vehicles will be traveling in and out of metropolitan Bangkok during this period. Additionally, more than 17 million trips are expected on public transport, including buses, vans, trains, boats, and airplanes.

Focus on Road Safety Measures

In light of the increased travel volume, authorities are ramping up road safety campaigns to prevent accidents during the holiday season. The Prime Minister’s inspections reflect a broader commitment to ensuring that all necessary measures are in place for a safe and enjoyable New Year celebration for all travelers.