Unusually High Monsoon Tides In Phuket Spook Local Residents

[george]

Unusually high monsoon tides in Phuket spook local residents

PHUKET: -- Provincial authorities in the southern Thai Andaman Sea resort explained Thursday that the high tide Thursday was quite normal during the annual moonson season and should not

be mistaken as a sign of a looming tsunami.

Phuket's Disaster Prevention and Migitation Centre reported that the tide rose to its highest level this year on Wednesday and Thursday.

Because of alarmed reactions among some local residents, the authorities needed to explain that there was no connection to Wednesday's earthquake in western Laos, about 750 kilometres (465 miles) to the north

and felt in many parts of Thailand including the capital city of Bangkok.

Communities situated near the mangrove shorelines in Thepkasattree as well as vendors along Had Sai Kaew beach were affected by the high tides, but each tide receded to its normal level.

However, local officials warned residents and tourists not to panic. High tides are likely to reoccur in the next few days.

Meanwhile, villagers in Baan Namkem in Phang-nga province, hit by the tsunami in 2004, have evacuated from their houses to seek shelter on higher ground in fear of the possibility of tidal waves.

-- TNA 2007-05-17

[NBT TV Phuket]

MiniVDO: A very high tide scared beach front villagers in Phuket.

To see or download mini-video, go to http://www.thaisnews.com/news_detail.php?newsid=213836

Restaurants on Haad Sai Kaew beach in Mai Khao of Thalang district in Phuket were damaged by a very high tide which came up to the mangrove area. The big and strong waves forced operators to remove their belongings to higher ground.

Meanwhile, at a sea gypsy village of Laem Tukkae on the east side of Phuket island, the villagers also felt the abnormal high tide but did not panic as they knew that it was during the waning moon which normally has the highest tide. Yesterday was even higher due to the monsoon. The Navy officer at Thab Lamu Naval Base reported that highest tide was read at 11 o’clock yesterday at 2.9 metres and will be the same today. This is a normal phenomenon, but as it is now the monsoon season the waves are higher on to the shore. The Navy however will closely monitor the sea water level and will inform the public of any abnormality. Meanwhile the water also flooded the beach front property of around 10 houses at Ban Nam Kem in Phang-Nga and the beach front road was inundated.

from Andaman News TV11 (VHF dial) + Radio Thailand FM90.5 Phuket City, both broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, 8.30am & later on Phuket Cable TV Channel 1, Friday 18 May 2007 & www.Thaisnews.com {Our news text and mini-videos can be freely copied, but give credit to Andaman News TV11 Phuket or contact [email protected]}

[ozymandious]

I was driving along the road that takes you out to Laem som, Jomchang and Cape Sol yesterday (South end of Kamala after Rock Fish Resturant) and the waver wer crashing up on to the road bringing sand with it.

I didn't know it was just a super high tide, i though that an ice shelf had broken off in the Antarctic somewhere and melted.

Anyone drive through Kalim?? I bet the road got sandy there too.

[Ping]

I'd be more worried if the tide ebbed unusually - I'd be off like a rocket for higher ground.

[THAILIBAN]

probably the same thing that happened on Bali 2 or 3 days ago and devastated some coastline there. mother nature is unpredictable...

[NBT TV Phuket]

MiniVDO: The very high tide situation in Phuket is now easing while tourists still enjoy swimming at sea with Navy and beach guards attending.

To see or download mini-video, go to http://www.thaisnews.com/news_detail.php?newsid=213879

At Patong beach, tourists, both Thais and foreigners enjoyed swimming at sea despite the red flags put out by the beach guards there. The tourists however understand that it is during the high tide period plus the monsoon season creating high waves. For some the high waves caused excitement when they played against the waves. The Patong beach is still busy despite the low season for the region.

Meanwhile the Royal Thai Navy Tourist Operation unit located on Patong beach is now manned by 20 officers fully equipped with rubber boats and other gear for life saving ready for sea rescue 24 hours a day. Two patrol boats are also floating off shore on Patong Bay.

The Department of Hydrographic service reports that the high water and waves are returning to normal from Sunday (yesterday). The high water is expected to occur again in early June.

Andaman News TV11 (VHF dial) + Radio Thailand FM90.5 Phuket City, both broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, 8.30am & later on Phuket Cable TV Channel 1, Monday 21 May 2007 & www.Thaisnews.com {Our news text and mini-videos can be freely copied, but give credit to Andaman News TV11 Phuket or contact [email protected]}