Koh Samui sees temporary flight disruptions

Heavy rains in Koh Samui over the last two days prompted Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways International (THAI) to cancel flights, although both airlines announced they would resume services this afternoon.

Go Vacation Thailand managing director Christoph Mueller said some 30 to 40 clients were stranded on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, and the company had extended accommodation arrangements and rescheduled flights and transfers.

Transorient Asia general manager Andre van der Marck had also been rescheduling flights for about 10 guests in Koh Samui, and rebooking holidays for others.

Asian Trails CEO Luzi Matzig said five to six customers had missed connecting flights from Bangkok to Europe last night. However, there were no cancellations for Thailand trips.

The Passage Samui resort had also not seen any cancellations. Said executive director Tossapol Satitwittayakul: “This is now Koh Samui’s low season. The flood may affect last-minute bookings, but not advance bookings.”

Mueller said bookings remained intact for the Andaman coastal areas of Phuket, Krabi and Phang-nga, which are expected to be hit by strong winds.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand's flood watch reported heavy rainfall in Phuket and Krabi, but no flooding as of yesterday. Scheduled flights to both destinations are still in operation. THAI's daily flights to Hat Yai and Surat Thani are also operating normally. (Sources: Sirima Eamtako, Bangkok, TTGAsia)