Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 30th November, 2011

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is looking good again, a blue sky is shaping up. Current temp at 7am is 28C

Yesterday saw a sunny and warm day with a max temp of around 30C

The forecast is looking good although early next week some rain may go Samui's way.

Sun set at Candi Dasa, at the eastern side of Bali

Today I find my self back at Candi Dasa on Bali. I'll be diving near here at Tulamben on 'the Liberty' wreck and the late afternoon early evening will see me transfer over to Kuta.

The weather here is looking fantastic, sunny with some clouds.

The PADI IDC on Gili Air is now completed and I managed to get a few more excellent dives in.

Camille

Goodbye to November 2011

Goodbye to November 2011

It sure was an interesting month, this November version of 2011!

First let's focus on what this blog is about, the weather on Koh Samui. That was actually very nice and very much unlike the way November can be during the rainy or monsoon season. We had many very sunny and warm days this month and although there was sometimes some rain, it was almost not even worth mentioning! This in sharp contrast to last year. November 2009 was similar, maybe even slightly better.

The weather on our island was also in sharp contrast to the flood in and around Bangkok. Over 600 people lost their lives and although the flood is receding, the damage is enormous. Emotionally for people who lost their houses and/or jobs or loved ones and financially for the all the industrial estates that got flooded.

There will be a lot of finger pointer and accusations going around for how the whole flood situation has been handled by the government. We can only hope for the areas that were flooded that lessons are learned and better protective plans and measures will be put in place to prevent an event on this scale to happen again.

I found myself back on the road once more this year, and I just finished a PADI IDC on Gili Air in Indonesia and did some great diving around the Gili islands. Right now I'm writing this post in Candi Dasa on Bali and in a few hours I should be diving "the Liberty' wreck, a famous wreck dive on Bali.

Earlier this month I also had a brief visit to Pattaya, for some diving there.

All in all a good month and it's about time to roll over for December 2011. The last month of this year will see me travel to Khao Lak to conduct the last IDC program of this year in Khao Lak.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 29th November, 2011

Today's weather;

Koh Samui's sky is looking good, a near blue sky is yours if you're on the island. Current temp at 7am is 25.8C

Yesterday saw also a warm and sunny day. Max temp reached 30.3C

The forecast is still looking good for the next 7 days around the island. The flood in the deep South is now stable.

Progress on Gili Air, the first ATM machine facility is being build

Gili Air is under a bit of clouds the last couple of days. Yesterday started out promising but there was some heavy rain during the afternoon. The mornings look good though, just like today.

I'm on my way to Bali for a couple of days. The IDC was finished yesterday, more on this later on my dive blog.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 28th November, 2011

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is looking good, near perfect blue skies and plenty of sunshine! Who would've believed that if we compare to last year's rainy season? Current temp at 7am is 26.4C

Yesterday saw a sunny day around Samui with some hard but with a short rain shower in the Plai Laem area between 3 and 4pm. Max temp reached 31.3C.

The forecast is marvelous for the next 7 days, sunshine, sunshine and sunshine! The Southern flood crisis seems to be easing down a bit as well.

One of the dive boats on Gili Air goes by the name of 'Samui'

This is the last full day on Gili Air with the current IDC being completed later during the afternoon with an Open Water dive. Tomorrow it's off to Bali and on the 30th a dive on 'The Liberty wreck' is scheduled. December 2nd my trip back home is scheduled. Looking forward to being home for a day or so before I head off for another IDC in Khao Lak.

Today it looks like the Gili Air will have sunshine, it's nice and blue with a few clouds, yesterday saw a cloudy day and the afternoon saw some heavy rain.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 27 November, 2011

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is looking good! A near blue sky with a few fluffy clouds in it, it's looking like a hot day is in the making! Current temp at 7am is 27.2C

Yesterday was the last day of the storm that raged over Southern Thailand and caused havoc there, whilst Samui just had a bit of rain. The weather patterns this year on our island are very unusual but offer great value for the sun lovers. Max temp reached 30.4C

The forecast is looking great for Samui, sunshine is predicted for the next 7 days and rain should be marginal!

A very nice sunset yesterday on Gili Air

Gili Air in the meantime has cooled down a bit, we have light cloud cover this morning and yesterday morning started out sunny but ended in rain during the afternoon. We had some great dives though and pictures of diving around Gili Air are online.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 26th November, 2011

Today's weather;

Koh Samui weather is a bit of a mixed bag, some rain looks possible but sunshine is not ruled out either. Current temp at 7am is 28.2C

Yesterday saw a mixed bag around Koh Samui with rain and sunshine changing the scenery a few times. Max temp reached 30.2C

The forecast is looking really good, this coming night should see some heavy rain but after that it's sunshine only, this all despite the heavy rain and floods hitting Southern Thailand right now!

View on Lombok in front of Oceans 5 dive center on Gili Air

Gili Air continues to have excellent weather conditions. It's very sunny this morning once more and yesterday saw a warm and sunny day! The turtle conservation program at Oceans 5 is going strong and the IDC will be finished tomorrow and afterwards more dives are looming at the horizon!

Th situation in Thailand with the floods is lingering on, there's an activist group named the 'Green Group' that wants to sue to the Prime Minister for criminally mishandling the flood crisis.

On a different note, the police are keeping a close watch on 10 sensitive areas in Greater Bangkok, concerned that prolonged flooding there might prompt stressedout locals to take to the streets. Not to mention a possible surge of petty crime like theft and break ins by potentially many desperate people who lost everything.

The Thai economy faces a flood hit; The devastating floods have caused 1.4 trillion baht in estimated damage and are likely to slash Thailand's economic growth to 2.4% this year, the World Bank says.

Last but not least, the longest operating airport airport in Asia, Don Muang, now only used for domestic travel, may potentially face a shut down. A full-scale rehabilitation of inundated Don Mueang airport, which could run into billions of baht, hinges on state policy and assurances that it will never again experience a similar deluge to what it has faced for more than a month now.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 25th November, 2011

Today's weather;

Koh Samui has a nice sky opening up this morning, blue spots all around although heavy wind and rain are predicted, the amount of rainfall over the last 3 days was rather marginal. Current temp at 7am is 28.2C

Yesterday saw some rain in the morning around Samui but after that it was dry. Max temp reached 29.9C

The forecast is looking splendid, some rain possibly on Sunday and after that sunny days all week long are in the pipeline! Looks like monsoon is skipping our island this year. The first half of December is still to come but things look very promising right now.

The 'Warung' or small eatery/restaurant where I get my lunch everyday on Gili Air, near the Oceans 5 dive center

Gili Air's weather remains very stable and nice, a sunny sky is shaping up this morning and once more a hot day seems to be in the making. Yesterday was a warm day and we're doing some great diving. The current IDC is going strong and we've passed the half way mark.

For all your hotel bookings in the Land of Smiles or anywhere else in the world for that matter, please keep using my Koh Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Koh Samui hotel recommendation blog. Thanks!

Camille

Scallywags, organic beach club and restaurant on Gili Air in Indonesia

Scallywags, organic beach club and restaurant on Gili Air in Indonesia

If you follow my blog, you may have noticed that I like my food and regularly post about the various restaurants I visit, mainly on Koh Samui but also around Thailand at places where I visit and sometimes also in other countries where I recently started travelling to.

However, despite having visited Gili Air in Indonesia now for the fourth time this year, not a single restaurant review has been posted, yet!

Scallywags kitchen

That doesn't mean that there are no good restaurants on the island, not at all. Some of the places I visit frequently are the Chill Out bar, Zipp bar and Biba where they serve some excellent and authentic Italian food. The latter one is closed right now for a well deserved month holiday of the owners and a review is due next time I visit!

The interior at Scallywags

Having said all that, probably the best quality and unfortunately also the most expensive on the island this year was and is Scallywags. It's located on the beach near the pier and they serve some very nice food and they also offer free (like most other places though) and fast (unlike most other places) wifi. They're open for breakfast and close late in the evening after the last dinner plates have been cleared away.

The small but delicious salad bar

Each grilled or bbq'ed dish comes with a free salad bar invitation and the salad bar, although small, is definitely the works! Very nice olive based sauces to go with your salad and a great cold noodles bowl are just some of the options available. You can only get just the salad bar option, as a stand alone meal.

The grill in front of the restaurant

They're also about the only place on the island where you can get a pork meal, on this mainly Muslim little island (walk around it and you covered 5km). Each time I visit Gili Air, I go to get my Scallywags fix at least twice during a 10 day period.

Filet with Gorgonzola sauce, heart attack on a plate but delicious!

Their deserts are a treat in itself. Especially their Drambui chocolate truffles rock! Not to mention the orange cinnamon tequila cheesecake and other mouth watering options that are available to you. Some of the or maybe most of the local dive instructors tend to avoid the place right now, since some of their prices took a 50% hike, which is a lot indeed. The food remains the same quality though!

Enjoy!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 24th November, 2011

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is slowly recovering from the storm last night and it's clearing up a little bit. It looks like later on during the day the sun might come out again and it will dry up. Current temp at 7am is 27C

Yesterday saw a cloudy but merely day, besides some rain during the morning. During the night a big storm raged over Samui with lots of rain. Max temp reached 29.7C

The forecast is showing hard wind tomorrow morning and as of Saturday the weather is slowly turning around with a beautiful and very sunny rest of the week!

A Mantis shrimp as spotted during a dive at Oceans 5 house reef on Gili Air

Gili Air is enjoying a lovely morning again with a lovely blue sky. It looks like a hot day in the making but yesterday we had dark clouds with wind and rain come and visit us around noon and it stayed wet for a few hours. It cooled down nicely!

Keep on booking your holiday hotel destinations through my Koh Samui hotel recommendation blog or my Thailand hotel recommendation blog. Thanks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 23rd November, 2011

Today's weather;

Koh Samui woke up under a nice blue sky with not that many clouds in it. Current temp at 7am is 27.7C

Yesterday saw just a little bit of rain in the morning and during the afternoon around Samui, it was cloudy but rather dry. Max temp reached 31.2C

The forecast remains good, rain and clouds for the next few days and around the weekend things should start to clear up again and the sun will have it chances again.

View from Gili Air onto Lombok

Gili Air remains hot and warm, this morning sees a blue sky and no wind at all, it looks like a very hot day is ahead of us. Yesterday saw a more windy day, which cooled things down a bit and around noon there was the usual dark clouds and rain over Lombok but they didn't cross over the bay to the Gili islands.

The flood situation is stable now and slowly but surely the situation will 'dry up' and it's time to move on. Unless major developments occur, I won't update on the flood anymore but you're still free to book your accommodation on my Koh Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Thailand hotel recommendation blog.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 22nd November, 2011

Today's weather;

Koh Samui's sky looks like rain is in the making this morning, with likely more to follow during the day to follow. There are currently still a few isolated blue spots but dark, grey and wet clouds dominate the skyline. Current temp at 7am is 28C

Yesterday saw rain in the early morning but after 8am the sun broke through and it was a surprising sunny day for the rest of yesterday. Max temp reached 30.2C

The forecast for Samui is more or less non stop rain until Friday afternoon, when things start turning around and the sun shows up again. Thursday morning may have some strong wind.

Dodging early rush hour traffic at the main street on Gili Air on the way to work

Gili Air is baking in the sun again. The sun is out and about and it's very hot here, during the day time the quicksilver must go up in the mid thirties Celsius. Yesterday saw also a very warm and sunny day.

Back in Thailand the Bangpa-in industrial estate has been cleaned and is back in production again. The water has been tested again for pollution and contamination levels though.

It seems that the flood is slowly receding and news on it it also slowly fading into the back ground. It's till fine though to book your hotel accommodation for travel and holiday through my Koh Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Thailand hotel recommendation blog. Thanks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 21st November, 2011

Today's weather;

Rainy season has at last come home to Koh Samui, at least for the next 5 or 6 days. This morning it's cloudy and last night plenty of rain came down. Current temp at 7am is 26C

Yesterday saw plenty of rain around Samui island, some dry periods were abound with some strong winds occasionally and sometimes even the sun peeked through. Max temp reached 30.8C

The forecast is plenty of rain each day with very strong wind on Wednesday for the next 6 days, than it should ease up again. By the looks of it, a very short rainy season indeed, let's cross our fingers!

Bungalows next to the pool at Oceans 5 Dive center on Gili Air

On Gili Air where I'm one third into the current PADI IDC, it's warm, or rather hot even. Haven't experienced this warm weather here yet! Today is another sunny day and the morning is already warm. Yesterday saw more sunshine although each day during the afternoon there are always some dark clouds forming over Lombok but they haven't made the water crossing since I've been here.

Back in Thailand, the government seemed to have realized that the royal pardon idea in order to get former PM Thaksin back into the country wasn't a good idea after all and his name won't be included on the list for people seeking a pardon. The current PM has plenty of things to worry about as it is.

Back to the floods, with the impact of the severe flooding on the tourism industry estimated at Bt70 billion, international and local tourism organisations are discussing ways of protecting the sector against future disasters.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 20th November, 2011

Today's weather;

Samui looks a lot nicer this morning than the forecast predicted the last couple of days. A blue sky and no clouds! Rain is however still predicted during the day. Current temp at 7am is 26.9C

Yesterday was nice and sunny around Koh Samui. Max temp reached 30.5C

The forecast changed drastically overnight, the heavy winds are nut due until Wednesday and the amount of expected rain has been reduced, although rain is expected over the next 7 days.

Easy like a Sunday morning on Gili Air

The current PADI IDC on Gili Air kicked off nicely yesterday, updates to follow soon. The weather here is fantastic, mainly blue skies with some fluffy clouds and occasional showers, although I haven't experienced one of them yet.

The flood is continuing to decrease and according to the current PM, Bangkok's inner city will stay dry.

The Royal Pardon for former PM Thaksin is heating up the discussions and the red and yellow shirts are about to march the streets again, although seemingly it's all done following democratic procedures.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 19th November, 2011

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is looking good this morning, enjoy it whilst it lasts because tomorrow the rainy season seems to be hitting the island. Current temp at 7am is 25.3C

Yesterday also saw a nice and sunny day around Samui. Max temp reached 31.3C

Sunset at Gili Air yesterday

The Gili's are beaming in sunlight this morning and a nice little breeze goes along with it. Current temp is around 27C.

The PADI IDC is just moments away of kicking off!

Yesterday saw a nice day on Gili Air as well with a max temp pf around 32C

Rice paddies on Lombok between the new International airport and the ferry to Gili Air

That new International airport on Lombok is located in the middle of nowhere and it adds a minimum of an hour additional travel time after touchdown to each tourist location on the island. So far, I wasn't impressed with it.

The flood situation in Bangkok is stable and the current momentum is on the Royal pardon that would include former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who claims innocence about the whole pardon.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 18th November, 2011

Today's weather;

It's later than usual and form a different location than usual and the travelling hasn't been completed yet, although I'm almost there, at Gili Air in Indonesia. This morning I woke up in a dry but still very dark Phuket at 4.30am (rain and thunder last night at the airport area). Right now I'm in Bali international airport, waiting for a domestic flight to Lombok, followed by a shuttle bus, a taxi ride and a boat ride! We're getting there!

Sunset at Samui airport just before the flight between Koh Samui and Phuket yesterday

This morning was nice on Samui again with a current temp of 29.3C at 10am.

Yesterday saw a lovely warm day with plenty of sunshine and a max temp of 32.2C

The forecast seems to be stuck on Sunday and it looks like the rainy season will come down on Samui with strong winds and plenty of rain.

Bali just before touch down, coming in over land

Stay tuned for more updates on my PADI IDC on Gili Air, starting tomorrow.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 17th November, 2011

Today's weather;

A blue sky with a few fluffy clouds in it is shaping up again over Koh Samui. Current temp at 7am is 24.1C

The forecast is settling in, it looks like the rainy season is officially about to start this coming Sunday. Get ready for strong wind bursts and plenty of rain. I will miss most of this because I'm off to Phuket this afternoon and have the 'stupid early' flight out to Bali tomorrow morning. It's time for the last PADI IDC on Gili Air for this year.

Yesterday saw a nearly blue sky for most of the day over Koh Samui and it was warm and dry. Max temp reached 31.4C

A Buddhist statue at Big Buddha

The current government has managed to overshadow all flood problems with a cunning plan to have the fugitive former PM Thaksin Shinawatra pardoned, a dangerous path to walk according to the Nation and fury, scorn erupt over the decree according to the Bangkok Post.

This would back fire in any other country in the world, I wonder what will happen in Thailand.

In the meantime, back at the flooded farm, it seems that social networks are overtaking papers as sources for updates on news regarding floods. The Zuckerbergs of this world would have never dreamed of this in their wildest dreams, just a few years ago.

A Dutch expert expected the city of Bangkok to be dry by early next month.

Sad news is that the overall death toll reached 564.

All the promises for help made to help affected businesses seem now, not too surprisingly, aim only at the big guys, leaving the small and medium sized businesses in limbo.

Thanks for booking your hotels at my two blogs over the past couple of days, please keep it up and look into my Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel booking around the country and beyond.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 16th November, 2011

Today's weather;

The blue skies have returned to Koh Samui. It looks like a hot one is shaping. Current temp at 7am is 24.6C

The forecast is telling us to enjoy the current sunny stretch as much as possible since around Sunday there will be a change in pace and strong winds and rain will be on to the island.

Yesterday started out as a wet Koh Samui morning but around noon the sun broke through and the afternoon saw some blue skies with some big white fluffy clouds in it. Max temp reached 30C

Blue sky and big white fluffy clouds yesterday afternoon over Bang Rak

The flood situation remains the same, although a false alarm was given to evacuate parts of the inner city; Paya Thai.

Arrivals at Suvarnabhumi airport are down with 25%, due to the floods and 1.5 million letters and parcels couldn't be delivered so far.

A very strange request is coming through by some of the ruling party's PM's, a new capital city should be chosen, or build so they can fill their pockets.

More disturbing however was a cabinet meeting, without the PM, during which an amnesty decree has been passed for the PM's brother in exile.

Hope to see you soon in the Land of Smiles and if you're planning a trip, please book your hotel rooms on my Samui hotel recommendation blog or my Thailand hotel recommendation blog.

Camille

Food on Wheels; Doner Chicken in Pattaya

Food on Wheels; Doner Chicken in Pattaya

During my recent trip to Pattaya, earlier this month, I found this interesting Thai tricycle catering to the Western crowds. How innovative and an excellent choice to be included in the Food on Wheels series!

Doner on the move

It's interesting to see how adaptive some of the Thai vendors are and this one takes the strudel by selling Western orientated food!

The 60,-THB price seems also perfectly all right to me, although I didn't test the quality of the Doner.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 15th November, 2011

Today's weather;

It's grey and wet over Koh Samui this morning and it looks like some more rain will be ours today. Current temp at 7am is 25.3C

The forecast looks good until Sunday, than the rainy season may come down on us!

Yesterday saw a very wet and grey morning around Koh Samui with a drier afternoon during which the sun tried in vain to break the cloud cover. Max temp reached just 27.3C

My daughter's school had a new football pitch installed

The flood and it's 'after waves' keep creating problems, the polluted water may be a threat to the marine life in the Gulf of Thailand, where Koh Samui is located.

The Dutch Ambassador and a team of water management experts from The Netherlands met Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and the 10-strong Strategic Committee for Water Resources Management at Government House yesterday to discuss possible solutions to Thailand's flood crisis and Chulalongkorn University yesterday unveiled an ambitious super-express floodway model and 10 other measures to prevent flooding from devastating the Central region which would take three years to realize.

In the meantime Transport Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat will seek a budget of 18 billion baht to repair Don Mueang airport along with highways and schools which have been damaged by floods.

As always, keep using my Koh Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Thailand hotel recommendation blog, by doing so you will help me out keeping this blog up and running.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 14th November, 2011

Today's weather;

Koh Samui's sky is grey this morning and it's wet outside. The rain is on and off at the moment and it looks like some more rain is likely today. Current temp at 7am is 24.7C

The forecast is predicting more rain for today tomorrow but than it will be nice and sunny again with a possible occasional shower. This coming Sunday may be the turn around though and the start of our rainy season.

Yesterday saw a very mixed bag over Samui, it rained, it was dry, the sun peeked through and it rained whilst the sun was out. Repeat! Max temp reached 29.7C

The sky this morning near our house, just before it started to rain again

Water levels are receding, but just as transportation and other aspects of life improve, Thai consumers are bracing for another misfortune in the aftermath of the flooding - a spike in goods prices. Police have vowed in the meantime to arrest would-be profiteers who have placed metal spikes on flooded roads to stop rescue trucks from helping people.

Aside from the immediate problems facing the capital, which the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is tackling through regular channels provided by its six departments and one bureau, many post-flood issues await city officials' attention.

Right now, the most important issue is public health, specifically the problems of preventing disease outbreaks and transporting BMA-supervised doctors to homes of those refusing to evacuate. The Pollution Control Department (PCD) is offering free eggs and rice to people who turn over used foam food boxes and empty plastic bottles - in a bid to ease the amount of garbage.

At Don Muang, the closed domestic airport, water drainage is starting tomorrow.

During the current APEC summit in Hawaii, Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba has requested three urgent relief measures to help Japanese companies in Thailand recover from the severe flooding. at the same summit Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong said that a new river, new highways, new railways and new towns are among the government's long-term flood prevention measures. We'll just wait and see.

As always, I end my blog with a request to my readers to book your hotels for your stay in Thailand on my Koh Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Thailand hotel recommendation blog.

Camille

3rd Annual Service of Remembrance, Koh Samui

3rd Annual Service of Remembrance, Koh Samui

Today for the 3rd year in concession the Act of Remembrance was held on Koh Samui at the Lords Bar & Grill in Choengmon, as part of Armistice day or Remembrance day.

Two wreathes were placed

The Commonwealth countries remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty. Sadly enough the list keeps growing each year, with Afghanistan currently in the spotlights for the Commonwealth countries.

They shall grow not old,

as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them,

nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun

and in the morning

We will remember them.

Response: We will remember them

It was a simple and sober ceremony with a good attendance of ex service men, non service men and spouses.

The Netherlands has a similar day, but it's held 4th May and is called Dodenherdenking each year followed by Bevrijdingsdag or Liberation Day celebrated 5th May.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 13th November, 2011

Today's weather;

We got a nice mixed bag on Koh Samui this morning. blue spots in the sky with big fluffy clouds dominating the sky. It's dry though and the current temp at 7am is 28C

The forecast is looking good, a lot of the predicted rain for next week has evaporated, prolonging the unusual rainy season weather for another 7 days.

Yesterday saw a cloudy day around Koh Samui but it remained dry, more or less. Max temp reached 28.2C

The pool and view over the ocean under a cloud cover yesterday at Cocopalm resort in Maenam

The flood remains a problem in and around Bangkok. The overall situation is improving according to the PM, but inner city residents are told to get ready for floods near the Victory monument, where water could reach them within the next 7 days.

You can stock up on flood related goodies for the duration of the floods at an outdoor market on Ekamai-Ram Intra Road.

The Kingdom's political divide is once more brought up for discussion in this article and here's a good article by Andrew Biggs about a Thai news paper and it's flood related stories.

The South is still dry and especially the Gulf islands around Koh Samui are experiencing an unusual dry spell for this time of the year. Don't hesitate to visit the South of Thailand for your holidays, everything is up and running here and besides a few selected goods that are not available, all shelves in the supermarkets are well stocked and bottled water is widely available in the South of Thailand.

If you are planning of visiting the Land of Smiles soon or in the near future, please use my Koh Samui hotel recommendation blog or my Thailand hotel recommendation blog! Thanks in advance.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 12th November, 2011

Today's weather;

The sky over Koh Samui is a little bit grayer today compared to previous days and it's wet. This morning saw some rain already. Right now the sun tries to break through though. Current temp at 7am is 24.7C

The forecast is looking good, the next few days will see a few showers but there will be plenty of sunny days as well and the rainy season is still not in sight.

Yesterday saw a mixed bag over Samui. Some parts saw rain during the day time and other were dry. Last night saw some rain at other parts of the island. This was however just 'bad weather' rain and not the relentless rainy season rain. Max temp reached 31C

Chaweng beach earlier this week, looking good!

The government has apologised to people affected by its slow response to the flooding crisis as water levels began to recede in some affected areas.

Within 10 to 14 days the floods in Bangkok should have been a thing of the past! If past experience is any guide, one ordeal will soon give way to another. As the floodwaters gradually recede, disaster relief workers must be ready to mount the biggest mopping-up operation in Thailand's history.

There's a group of people ready to sue the government over it's alleged failure to manage the flood. Former PM Abhisit Vejjajiva is backing this group.

Camille

11.11.11 at 11.11 hrs

11.11.11 at 11.11 hrs

Local time at Koh Samui, Thailand

Camille

Loy Kratong 2011; the day after

Loy Kratong 2011; the day after

This year's Loy Kratong was missed out on by family. We were too tired to visit the only to spots where a celebration was going on this year; Chaweng lake and Nathon, after our trip to Surat Thani to get Thai passports for my wife and son. Both would've involved hard to find parking spots for the car and long walks to the festivities and to Nathon also a long drive.

It came as a surprise to me that Wat Plai Laem didn't stage a celebration.

Chaweng lake this morning

My wife and me where at the Chaweng lake area this morning though and it was interesting to see the aftermath of the Loy Kratong festivities here. As the picture above shows, plenty of left over Kratongs floating on the lake.

Murky water and 'empty' kratongs

All the Kratongs were emptied out by some local youth. You're supposed to clip off some bits of your finger nails and hair and put it in the Kratong, together with 9 Thai Baht, for good luck!

Usually some kids jump in the water and get their hands on the coins!

Plenty of Kratongs under the walk ways, due to the wind direction

Cleaning up was in swing along the lake, I just wonder when and if the water will be cleaned of Kratongs. I have my doubts!

Some of the Lratongs are made of bread dough, typically they're made of banana tree stems and this year i saw for the first time coconut shells being used. All natural and degradable materials, although still plenty of empty plastic bags among the debris!

More next year!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 11th November, 2011

Today's weather;

Today is a bit more of a mixed bag, it was dark and grey around 6pm but right now a blue sky with fluffy clouds is moving in over Koh Samui. Current temp at 7am is 25.2C

The forecast is still good, although rain is predicted over the next couple of days, it doesn't look like rainy season rain but rather isolated showers with potentially plenty of sunshine options.

Yesterday saw all day long an almost perfect blue sky over both Surat Thani town and Koh Samui. We went to Surat Thani to apply for Thai passports for my son and wife. Max temp reached 32C

Upon leaving the ferry in Don Sak we saw two dolphins next to the pier!

A Buddha statue near the Don Sak harbor

The flood situation lingers on, the current PM Yingluck Shinawatra is not stepping down after strong voices started to ask her to do so. This own't be last time that she's asked to step down in my opinion.

In the meantime, the official count is 533 people being killed and two missing due to the floods and more and more water related health issues pop up.

An interesting admission of guilt came from Agriculture Minister Theera Wongsamut, who yesterday acknowledged that the controversial decision to delay the release of water from the country's major dams had been made by the government.

Please keep booking all your hotels around Thailand with my Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Thailand hotel recommendation blog, it will help me keeping my blog going!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 10th November, 2011

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is waking up under a blue sky, no fluffy clouds today! Current temp is around 27C at 7am

The forecast remains steady with some day time rain in the coming days.

Yesterday saw a very nice day around Samui with very nice blue skies and a few fluffy clouds. Very unusual for this time of the year. Max temp reached 32.2C

The PADI IE was also completed very successfully by my candidates yesterday.

Chaweng Beach yesterday

The floods keep spreading in Bangkok. The police is also trying to deal with many lawbreakers, thieves are plenty about in the city right now.

It's full moon today and the Loy Krathong festival is on today across the country

Some reports state the the capital could be dry withing 11 days! Gotta see before I believe it, fact is though, that North of Bangkok the first flooded areas are starting their clean ups.

If you're planning to visit Samui or Thailand, consider booking your hotel rooms through my Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Thailand hotel recommendation blog. Thanks, you will help me keeping the blog going.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 9th November, 2011

Today's weather;

The sky over Koh Samui is looking great again, a blue sky with big fluffy clouds in it. Current temp at 7am is around 27C

The forecast is showing rain starting Sunday. Will the rainy season start at last?

Yesterday saw a nice and sunny day over Koh Samui with a max temp of just over 30C

View at Big Buddha yesterday

The overall flood situation is still progressing in Bangkok and the heart of the city is being protected since the water reached the last barrier.

Good news is that 25 factories re-opened in Ayuthaya and 33.000 employees have been re-employed and are back at work.

Keep checking my Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Thailand hotel recommendation blog for your hotel bookings. You will help me maintaining my blogs!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 8th November, 2011

Today's weather;

It's good to be back home on Koh Samui and the weather is still un-seasonally good. A blue sky is shaping up and it looks like a warm day lay's ahead. Current temp at 7am is 25.6C

Yesterday saw a warm and dry day round Samui. Max temp reached a whooping 33.2C

The forecast is till fine but rain is predicted after the weekend.

Yesterday saw a nice day in Pattaya, sunny and all. Max temp reached 31.6C and we had a great stay at the Amari Nova Platinum.

Suvarnabhumi airport was a bit quiet but operating as usual.

Today's sky over Samui

The flood situation is not changing a lot at the moment. Here's an overview of the current flooded areas in Bangkok and overall health warnings are being stepped up.

Keep supporting my blog by booking you hoteols on Samui and around the country through my Samui hotel recommendations blog and my Thailand hotel recommendations blog!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 7th November, 2011

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is looking good again with a nice blue sky and sunshine. Current temp at 7am is 26.2C.

Later today I'll be back on Samui and in tomorrow morning a PADI IE will start.

The forecast is still good but only for the next 5 days, after that rain is predicted. Enjoy whilst it lasts.

Yesterday saw a warm and sunny day around Samui island with a max temp of 30.7C

Pattaya has a similar weather system as Samui there's a blue sky to boost. Current temp at 7am is 28C

Yesterday saw a lovely around Pattaya and we had a very nice afternoon at the Sriracha Tiger Zoo. Max temp reached 31.5C

On my dive blog there's a post about our dive on the Hardeep.

The Sriracha Tiger Zoo entrance

The Bangkok flood situation is at a stalemate but more evacuation looms and a battle with dirty water and garbage is at hand.

There seem to be various complaints about the apparent misconception that Suvarnabhumi airport is closed, well, it isn't! It better not since I have to fly back later today to Samui! Pictures of flooded runways at Don Muang airport and flooded planes didn't help!

An unexpected side effect, possibly one of the many, is the large number of protected wildlife species which have come to light since the floods has prompted authorities to toughen measures against illegal wildlife imports. We'll see if anybody will follow up on this!

Keep looking into my Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Thailand hotel accommodation blog for your hotel bookings around the country and don't be shy hitting those beer buttons around my blog!

Camille

Sriracha Tiger Zoo, near Pattaya

Sriracha Tiger Zoo, near Pattaya

Today our travel party in Pattaya went for a day trip to the Sriracha Tiger Zoo. It's about a 40 minute ride outside of the city of Pattaya but well worth it!

The entrance

The zoo claims a population of 200 tigers and around 10,000 crocodiles, the largest such populations in the world. Admission was 450 Baht for foreigners and 150 Baht for Thai.

A tiger cage

Once you arrive at the fairly large park, there are shows on about 30 minutes, so you keep well entertained, hopping from show to show. There are pig running contests, elephant shows, crocodile shows and tier shows. You can have you picture taken whilst you sit on a crocodile, with baby tigers or with big tigers. Each additional thing you do is 100,-THB and big sized pictures of each activity go for 200,-THB. They make for good souvenirs.

Don't forget that you're in Thailand, so food and drinks is largely available everywhere.

Crocodile sateh

In one of the restaurants we had a Chinese style buffet lunch and part of the menu was crocodile sateh as pictured above. With immense population of crocodiles they have there won't be any shortage of meat anywhere soon.

Part of the crocodile show

The shows are entertaining and don't last too long, which keeps it all interesting enough and it gives you time to leisurely walk to a next show, lined up somewhere else in the park.

Some of the crocodile population

You don't want to imagine what happens if this crocodile population would be able to escape in a flood, like is happening right now around Bangkok! There are already too pictures of captured crocodiles in the flooded areas!

It was a good days out and I can recommend taking a trip here if you're on Pattaya.

Camille