SURAT THANI - Red flags have been raised at many beaches on Koh Samui warning people not to go into the water because the seas are too dangerous, but many tourists are ignoring them.
Hotels on Chaweng beach in tambon Bo Phud on Wednesday ordered staff to remove beach chairs and beds, and umbrellas from the beach.
Some hotels have installed additional CCTV cameras and ordered staff to prepare life jackets, life buoys and ropes to help tourists in case of emergency.
Despite the warnings, some tourists were still seen braving the water, reports said.
The Meteorological Department on Wednesday said the northeast monsoon will intensify across the Gulf and the South from Dec 1 to 4. It warned people in the South to beware of severe weather and possible flash floods.
Wind-whipped waves in the Gulf of Thailand are forecast at 2-3 metres high during this period. All ships should proceed with caution, and small boats should remain ashore. People along the coast in the Gulf should beware of inshore surges.