Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand Newsroom (http://www.tatnews.org/southern-thailand-floods-situation-update-10-january-2017/)

The flooding in Thailand’s southern region is currently affecting various areas of southern Thailand, due to heavy monsoon rains. However, Phuket and Phang-nga in the Andaman coastal area, Hat Yai in Songkhla, and Hua Hin and Pranburi in Prachuap Khiri Khan have been relatively unaffected by the floods. The situation on Ko Samui and Ko Phangan in the Gulf of Thailand has returned to normal. Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi is open as usual, Mu Ko Hong, Tham Phi Hua To and Tham Lot in Than Bokkhorani National Park are open but Than Bok Khorani Waterfall area has been closed due to the possibility of flash flood. Most road and air transportation is currently operating as normal though some train routes are still affected. 

Below are tourist attractions that are affected by the floods, and are closed for tourist activities:

–       Tham Le Khao Kop (Khao Kop Cave) in Trang
–       Thale Noi, Hat Saen Suk Lampam Beaches & Bay, Than Nam Yen in Khao Chai Son, and Khao Ok Talu in Phatthalung
–       Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya Ratchaworawihan in Surat Thani (water receded but remains closed)
–       Mu Ko Lanta National Park in Krabi has been temporarily closed until 11 January, 2017
–       Khao Luang National Park, Khanom Beach, and Kiriwong Village in Nakhon Si Thammarat
–       Khlong Dan Floating Marketing in Songkhla|
–       Phato Canal Rafting in Chumphon

The rest of tourist attractions in the southern region have been relatively unaffected by the floods or have seen the situation returned to normal. Tourists are still able to visit the South of Thailand but advised to check the news with tour agencies and airlines about areas they plan to visit and to monitor the local weather reports. 

Air Travel:
Airports in the southern region remain operating as normal. However, as of 10 January, 2017, Nakon Si Thammarat Airport has been temporarily closed until 11 January, 2017.  

Rail Travel:
The State Railway of Thailand has announced that all train services going further south than Hua Hin will be suspended until flood waters recede. There are no replacement bus services due to flooding on the roads. Any passengers who have bought advance tickets can get a full refund. Passengers are advised to keep abreast of announcements. Before scheduled departure, please call the State Railway of Thailand hotline on 1690, which is open 24 hours a day.   

Boat Excursions:
The majority of medium- to large-size tourist vessels are running as normal. Smaller boat services continue to operate but restricted to the islands nearer to the mainland, such as, Ko Kradan and Ko Mook in Trang; Ko Hong, Thale Waek (Separated Sea beach), and Ko Lanta in Krabil and Ko Phayam in Ranong. 

Ferry services:
The catamaran and ferries for Ko Samui, Ko Phanhan and Ko Tao, operated by private companies – Songserm Rungraung Boat, Lomprayah, and Seatran Discovery – are running as normal. Meanwhile, the new Pattaya-Hua Hin Ferry has rescheduled its inaugural date to 12 January, and will offer a free ride until the end of the month. 

Weather Forecasts:
According to the Thai Meteorological Department, the high pressure ridge which is moving from the Andaman Sea towards to Gulf of Martaban in Myanmar could bring heavy rain to the provinces of Phetchaburi and Prachuab Khiri Khan. In the meantime, high waves are still being reported in both the Thai Gulf and the Andaman Sea and all vessels are advised to proceed with caution, especially smaller craft.  

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is offering information and assistance to tourists through TAT Contact Center 1672 and all its offices in Thailand.

Updates on the Southern Thailand Floods Situation can be found at the Tourism Authority of Thailand Newsroom (http://www.tatnews.org)