Tropical Storm Pabuk came and went through the Gulf of Thailand on Friday, passing through the islands of Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Koh Samui on the way. The storm was expected to lash the islands into submission but they all remained relatively unscathed. Pabuk went on to dissipate once it reached the mainland.

Ferry boat services from Suratthani to Samui recommenced on Saturday after a two-day suspension due to safety concerns. Normal operations also resumed on 5 January to and from Samui Airport.

Sunny periods and scattered showers have now been forecast for the week ahead, allowing thousands of tourists who have booked holidays on the paradise island to continue their plans. However, “red flag” warnings banning swimming off beaches are still in place.

Business as usual

Hotels and businesses on the islands began cleaning up after the storm with most reporting minimal damage from the battering winds and rain.

“After a bit of domestic cleaning along the beach, we will be back to business as usual.”

“Aside from it being a major inconvenience for our guests, I am pleased to report that we are all fine and have suffered no damage,” said Remko Kroesen, the general manager at Banyan Tree Samui resort, which occupies a bay on the island’s southeast coast. “Storms [like Pabuk] are not anything unusual on Koh Samui, but we did experience some very large waves which brought in a lot of debris.

“The airport is open again and additional flights are being put on to cater for the high-season traffic. There are patches of blue sky and the wind and rain have dropped. After a bit of domestic cleaning along the beach, we will be back to business as usual.”