SURAT THANI - The electricity supply is expected to be restored later today to the tourist islands of Samui and Phangan, which are now in their third day without power.

A rupture in the submarine electricity cable linking to the mainland has left both islands with only a meagre reserve power supply since Tuesday. Most tourists have left the islands.

Wattana Praekul, of the Provincial Electricity Authority in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, said on Thursday morning that PEA engineers were having difficulties trying to repair the damaged high voltage cable because of the confined space and wet soil.

However repair work was about 70% complete and if there were no additional delays power should be restored around noon on Thursday.

Provincial governor Chatpong Chatphuti flew to Samui island by helicopter today to oversee the repairs.

Related search: samui, phangan, tourism, power