Hundreds of passengers were stranded yesterday at Samui International Airport as domestic flights were suspended due to bad weather while locals struggled to cope with flooding following heavy downpours in the South last week.
The weather and flood situation in Koh Samui in Surat Thani province had not improved yesterday, causing 12 domestic flights between Bangkok and Samui to be suspended.
The suspension created a chaotic scene at the airport where travellers returning from long holidays on the island to the city were stuck at the terminal.
Some travellers looked tense as they had flights to catch from Suvarnabhumi Airport to their home countries.
Bangkok Airways issued an announcement, urging its passengers who were scheduled to fly to and from Samui to check their flights before travelling.
Bad weather had affected the safety and operations of the airports. Passengers can contact 1771 around the clock for information about flights and airport operations.
Meanwhile, inter-provincial bus services in the South were also halted yesterday as many roads in the regions are flooded, making them impassible.
Amnat Anartngam, acting president of the Transport Co, which operates inter-provincial bus services, said he had ordered bus services for six routes running between Bangkok and the south to be suspended due to flooded roads.
The routes are Bangkok-Thung Song-Chianyai, Bangkok-Hat Yai, Bangkok-Yala-Betong, Bangkok-Pattani- Sungai Kolok, Bangkok-Satun and Bangkok-Hat Yai-Dannok, and Bangkok-Hat Yai-Padang Besar.
In Samui town, persistent rainfall and run-off from a mountain put the main roads around the island under water, making them impassable for both small and heavy vehicles.
Flooded roads, some of them under 50cm of water, prevented motorcycle riders from commuting causing traffic snarls. Traffic police were trying to help ease the problems.
Surat Thani governor Uaychai Innak said six districts mostly in mountainous areas have been affected by floods caused by heavy rainfall.
They are Kanchanadit, Ban Na San, Chaiya, Tha Chana, Tha Chang and Don Sak, according to the governor.
Mr Uaychai urged residents in Khian Sa, Ban Na Doem, Phunphin and Muang districts which are in low-lying areas to be vigilant about water overflowing from the mountains in the area and to monitor weather reports.