Tourists left stranded by Koh Samui floods

Flood victims trying to cross a flooded river in the southern Thai province of Chumphon yesterday. 

KOH SAMUI - THOUSANDS of tourists have been left stranded on the popular Thai resort town of Koh Samui as relentless showers pounded south Thailand, shutting off access to the island and wreaking havoc on many other towns.

Meteorology officials warned that Thailand is set to experience more unseasonal weather patterns this week which could cause more floods, rough seas, storms and cold temperatures.

Heavy downpours and turbulent seas have caused flash floods in at least six southern provinces over the last few days, disrupting land, sea, rail and air travel and causing devastating damage to farmland and property in many areas.

The irony, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Satit Wongnongtaey pointed out, was that 47 other provinces in the country were suffering from drought.

The recent floods have brought back fears among the Thais, whose memories of last year's devastating floods which killed more than 220 people across the country remain fresh.

Local media reports that nine people have died in the recent floods, with about 140,000 people affected. Thousands of homes and more than 600 schools have been damaged. -- BANGKOK POST, THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK