Thai Meteorological Dept forecasts heavy rain and storms
The Meteorological Department of Thailand has forecast continuing rains will sweep across the nation over the next few days. In a statement, the department noted that the current rains were a combination of the southern monsoon and a storm coming in from the southern regions of China.
The percentage odds for rain between today and Sunday are 60. Storms will strike all the way down from Northern Thailand to the southern peninsula and include Bangkok, Pattaya and the eastern seaboard across the Gulf of Thailand.
The Meteorological Department says people should brace themselves for strong rain and winds and also take care in flooded districts. Boat and ferry operators were also advised not to set sail if the sea was too choppy for safety.
This latter advice applies to boat operators on both the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea coasts. The Thai monsoon season typically runs between June and September and can cause delays to ferries to islands such as Koh Samet and Koh Phi Phi.
Although they might be delayed, all ferries eventually depart. The slight difficulty in getting to the islands is more than balanced out by lower accommodation prices and deserted beaches for the duration of the monsoon season.
News
Celebrated violinist to play at Yangon Strand Hotel bar
Noted violinist Yasmine Azaiez will be visiting Yangon next week and will play live at the Strand Hotel’s Sarkies Bar. The London-born musical maestro is due to take the stage at 19:00 and is all set to provide music fans with a treat rarely heard in this part of the world.
Thailand Cambodia Vietnam bus service on the cards
The transport ministers of Thailand and Cambodia have proposed the inauguration of a bus route linking the two nations to Vietnam. If the plan comes to fruition, buses will ply a route linking Bangkok, Phnom Penh and Ho Chi Minh City.
August a record for rainy season visitor numbers in Thailand
Tourism authorities in Thailand say August was a bumper month for international tourist arrivals. Figures just released show 3.1 million tourists visited in the traditional low-season month and the number was almost 10 per cent higher than for the same month in 2016.