Temporarily closing down of the blog

As the title says, I'm in the process of Temporarily closing down the blog. Due to Covid I can't find the time or motivation to continue this blog. My main social media activities will be on my Koh Samui blog Facebook page. I may start using Twitter more as well. You can find me @CamilleLemmens. 

Temporarily closing down of the blog

This Family Mart has also closed down last week. The nearest Family Mart outlet to our house. Things are not looking good for Thailand and Koh Samui's tourist industry. The Thai government has very clearly chosen not to invest in or save the tourist industry. Besides domestic impulses, which seem to be nothing more than a water drop on a hot plate. Nothing is being done to help the Thai tourist industry.

So long for now from this blog. In the meantime, hope to see you back at my Facebook page.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 23^rd November – 29^th November 2020

Monday evening and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 23rd November – 29th November 2020. Let's have a look at what was going on last week.

It's also the last day of November 2020 today. I posted yesterday already about my goodbyes to November 2020.

Today was pretty much rain all day. There were dry periods but especially during the morning, it was wet! Showers from strong to drizzle passed along all day long. The quicksilver didn't make it over 28C today!

Last week we saw a nice start of the week. Mostly sunny or at least partially clouded. Nonetheless, there were a few showers as well. However, towards the end of last week, it got a lot more wet. The weekend was rather rainy.

Maximum temperatures last week got up to 33C at the beginning of the week. The minimum on the other hand got in the very low twenties. 

Covid keeps taking it's toll. The borders won't open until all Thais are vaccinated. That could be at the very earliest during mid 2021. Don't bet on it though! First orders are for 13 million people to be vaccinated, on a population of 65 million.

Last week there were also 2 new Covid cases within Thailand. One in Chiang Mai and one in Chiang Rai. Apparently they had been to Myanmar and entered Thailand again without the required quarantine.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 23^rd November – 29^th November 2020

Come 20th December, elections for a new provincial government of Surat Thani are due. These elections may have been delayed from March, due to Covid19. Although I'm not 100% sure on this. When you drive around the island, you can hardly miss the election posters, placed all over the island, along the roads. This picture is taken at the Amphur in Nathon. It's a list of candidates and a list of registered voters. If you are listed as a Thai national in a blue book or 'Tabian Baan', you should be able to find your name back in these lists. They are organized by districts or 'Moo's'

Next Saturday there's a 5km and 10km group run. Starting point is opposite the Seatran pier in Nathon at 5.30am. Slow pace! It's for Father's day, so if you plan to attend and join, please wear a yellow shirt.

This coming week looks like it will be a wet week. Plenty of showers and all kinds of rain. Come next weekend, it should dry up again.

Whilst you are here, please do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page.

There are still plenty Thais and foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. The financial situation is getting worse and worse by the week for many people. Unfortunately I'm no exception to this rule. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, it's much appreciated! Ask me what options are available. Please do help if you can afford to do so! Much appreciated!

Camille

Goodbye to November 2020

Hello there, it's about time to say goodbye to November 2020! Yes, we're a day early and yes, last month I forgot to write a 'Goodbye to October blog'! 

The month of November usually means rainy season on Koh Samui and it's archipelago. Not so much this year though. Sure, we had a few very hard rain showers. Some accompanied by very strong winds. However, they never lasted very long. During a classic Samui rainy season, we can have days on an end with rain. Varying from hard to a drizzle and back to hard again. Nothing of that so far this year. Maybe some of that may be in the making for the first December week.

However, back at the farm, this year's November had plenty of sunny days and partially clouded skies. Actually a very nice November in my book. Much better than your average rainy season November.

On the other hand, Covid is still taking it's toll on the island. Basically, the longer tourist areas like Koh Samui have to wait before the borders open, the harder it gets. The current Thai government stated last week that borders for tourism as we knew it, won't open until Thailand is vaccinated. This won't be until mid 2021 at the earliest! The hardest times are still to come I'm afraid. Sadly, more desperate times are most likely still ahead of us. If you want to help, please feel free to make a donation. It's much appreciated given the current circumstances.

Goodbye to November 2020

This is how November also can look on Koh Samui. Not your typical rainy days! However, a beautiful, partially cloudy sky at Laem Sor. This picture is taken at Laem Sor Pagoda. The pagoda is directly behind me. This November has been fairly mild and enjoyable. Despite having a few very hard rain showers and windy moments!

November also saw a few events around Koh Samui. What stood out for me personally were the two races. Mid November the first ever Monkeys Trail. This Sunday the Nathon hospital run. 

There was a also a body building event at Central Festival among others.

Goodbye to November 2020

This morning the yearly Nathon Hospital run was held. Instead of running or jogging around the island, as in the two previous years, there was a 5k and 15k race. I participate in the 15k race and came in 5th overall in a new personal best on this distance. There were no free t-shirts, medals or trophies but it was fun nonetheless. Needless to say that I'm happy with my result.

Stay safe everybody. There will come an end to all this madness. Until that moment in time, see you next month!

Whilst you are here, please do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page.

There are still plenty Thais and foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. The financial situation is getting worse and worse by the week for many people. Unfortunately I'm no exception to this rule. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, it's much appreciated! Ask me what options are available. Please do help if you can afford to do so! Much appreciated!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 16th November – 22nd November 2020

Welcome to another Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 16th November – 22nd November 2020. It's Monday morning around 10am. We have sunny skies and a current temperature of 29C. Very much unlike an average Samui November!

Las week we had plenty of sunny days and moments. We also had a few showers. Sometimes when it rained, it was real rainy season rain as well. Hard and relentless. Most of the time it was just normal showers. But so far, not for days or weeks on an end. For a Koh Samui November, it has been mild.

The maximum temperature reached 32C. The minimum temperature dropped to to the lower twenties Celsius.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 16th November – 22nd November 2020

The gold shop in Big C has closed now as well. In 2008 I wrote a very popular blog post about Thai gold. The pictures in this blog are from this gold shop. Covid is still raging in our island. Not the disease itself. More the side effects. More and more shops are still closing down. Each day, each week. The shopping malls like Bog C and Tesco Lotus, let alone Central Festival, are at times very quiet. Almost deserted. Makro seems to be doing well, but even there, they don't get the same turn over as before Covid. The island, just like the whole tourist industry related location in Thailand, are struggling big time. It doesn't look like the borders are about to open soon neither. If you want to visit Koh Samui or Thailand, you need to hang in there a little bit longer.

The forecast for next week looks very similar as last week. A couple of days may be nice and have plenty of sunshine. Combined with a few showers! However, come next weekend, the wind may pick up and rain may intensify. Saturday may be very wet and the night from Sunday to Monday plus all of next Monday may be watery as well. Still, nothing like how a November can be on Samui. 

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 16th November – 22nd November 2020

November rain on Koh Samui. At times we have the typical November, relentless rain showers. For minutes to half an hour it rains like crazy. Creating flash floods all over the place, just to return to 'normal' within moment after the rain stops. It is however a very enjoyable November considering it's rainy season. Other years we have hard rain for days on an end. Having said that, the last week of November and the first two weeks of December can still wreak havoc! We're not there yet!

This coming Sunday there's a run at Nathon hospital. Entrance is free. Registration starts at 5am and the race is supposed to start at 6am. I believe that when I see it with just one hour of registration time. Nonetheless, come and join the fun for a 5km or 15km race, run or walk. No medals, no trophies, all open category. 

Whilst you are here, please do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page.

There are still plenty Thais and foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. The financial situation is getting worse and worse by the week for many people. Unfortunately I'm no exception to this rule. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, it's much appreciated! Ask me what options are available. Please do help if you can afford to do so! Much appreciated!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 9^th November – 15^th November 2020

Tuesday morning already, so high time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 9th November – 15th November 2020.

It's been an interesting week. Most of the week was sunny but windy. Except for Thursday and Friday when we had a taste of the rainy season. Rain all day long pretty much. Saturday and Sunday however, the sun broke out again. This November start was a bit of an unusual November. Much more sunshine than in previous years.

On Sunday I also ran the Monkeys Trail 26km route. A hard and touch race through the Maenam mountains and jungle. More on that later.

On this Tuesday morning, we have a few clouds, but it's also fairly sunny. At 11.30am it's 31C.

The two rainy days caused quite some flash floods at the usual locations in the Bophud area, along the ring road. Over the weekends all water disappeared however.

Maximum temperature hit 32C. The lowest reached 21C!

On to Covid and Samui. It's still not good. Samui is now Covid free again, but more and more people are still leaving the island. A small and good restaurant within 200 meters of our house has now also closed it's doors. Too many shop houses and houses for living are empty. Even in our residential area of the island. This coming weekend will be another, government ordered, long weekend. However, this will be good and beneficial to about 10 hotels, restaurants or bars around the island. The 10 that are popular with the Bangkok crowd. The rest of the island that still operates a business will barely notice and increase in turn over.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 9^th November – 15^th November 2020

Sunset in Nathon last week

The forecast for next week looks fairly good for this time of the year. Partially cloudy and a few showers. Which for a November on Koh Samui is not too shabby! However, having said that, next weekends may see some prolonged showers and another peek into the rainy season.

Still nothing to get too worried about. Plenty of rain breaks possibly with a few sun beams on top as well.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 9^th November – 15^th November 2020

An action picture of me at last Sunday's Monkeys Trail, 26km race. There were also 5km, 38-, 60 and 100km races on. The 60km and 100km races started on Saturday. My 26km race was the most popular, after the 5k run with some 700 or such participants. From the 300 registered participants, only around 50% made it within the 7 hours cut off time. There were 1080 meters ascent to manage as well. I did well, all over I came in at 7th place and in the gender ranking I was 6th. A bit above expectation, but I gladly take it any day! During the las, very technical kilometer, I managed to pick up 3 runners from my race. Very happy with that! All in all, a well organized race. Dates for 2021 are 26th and 27th June. Plenty of time to start practicing!

Whilst you are here, please do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page.

There are still plenty Thais and foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. The financial situation is getting worse and worse by the week for many people. Unfortunately I'm no exception to this rule. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, it's much appreciated! Ask me what options are available. Please do help if you can afford to do so! Much appreciated!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2nd November – 8th November 2020

Welcome to another Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2nd November – 8th November 2020. It's a cloudy Monday morning. At 11.30am it's 29C and we already had a few showers this morning.

Due to a cold, I missed my long Sunday run. Just one week before the Monkey Trail event is being held here on Koh Samui. Today I feel already better and could manage a short and easy 7km run.

Most of last week was actually very nice. Not like you would expect during a November. Only yesterday, Sunday, we had some afternoon rain. Other parts of the island may have had short and/or small showers though. The rest of the week was dry and partially sunny and a bit cloudy.

The maximum temperature hit 34C. The minimum temperature got stuck at 23C during the night time.

Regarding Covid19. The French woman who tested positive two weeks ago, has now been released from the government hospital in Nathon. Most likely she got infected in her quarantine hotel. This specific hotel in Bangkok lost it's quarantine status because of not being able to uphold hygiene standards. Koh Samui however, is Covid free again.

Other than that, it's still pretty desperate on Koh Samui. It's quiet and too many houses, rooms and shops are empty. Up for rent of sale.

In Thailand now occasionally people get tested positive. Last week one person in Krabi. It still seems very much under control though. However, the tourism industry keeps suffering. More and more shops and business will have to close forever very soon. Simply because they can't sustain such long periods of no or limited income. As a result, still people keep going or rather moving back to the mainland. On the upside. there are no traffic jams anymore around the ring road!

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2nd November – 8th November 2020

View from Plai Laem towards the Bang Rak Seatran ferry pier. Do you notice the sunken long tail boat? One fisherman must be very unhappy, seeing his engine being messed up by the salt water. It will take some effort to get the boat out of the water and clean the engine.

Next week's forecast is slightly getting in line with your usual rainy season November. In the beginning and middle of the week, the wind will pick up. Today and tomorrow some showers. Towards the weekend a few more showers, with a very wet Friday and Saturday being predicted. That will make the Monkey Trail race around the Maenam hills and jungle more challenging.

Whilst you are here, please do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page.

There are still plenty Thais and foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. The financial situation is getting worse and worse by the week for many people. Unfortunately I'm no exception to this rule. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, it's much appreciated! Ask me what options are available. Please do help if you can afford to do so! Much appreciated!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 26th October – 1st November 2020

Monday afternoon and time to check the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 26th October – 1st November 2020.

It's 2pm and sunny with a current temperature of 32C

Last week was a mixed bag. We had plenty of sunny mornings. The afternoons on the other hand, were mostly cloudy. The late afternoons or early evenings had a few times rain. Fairly typical for late October. The maximum temperature went up to 32C. Except during Saturday it went up to 33C. The minimum temperature dropped to 23C during the nights.

The big news today is that the prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is today on Koh Samui, He's supposed to also pay visits to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao later this week or today.

The Covid situation remains the same on the island. The Thai-French woman that tested positive last week doesn't seem to have infected anybody else on the island. All tests of people who were at risk came back negative. More and more people start to become lax with wearing masks. Except in big shopping malls and Makro. However, people are still leaving the island on a daily base to move back to the mainland. More and more shops and houses are empty and up for sale or rent.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 26th October – 1st November 2020

Kathin at Wat Plai Laem. A big ceremony held at each temple around the island. Saturday morning it was Plai Laem's turn. People go early to the temple to listen to the monks sermons. After that, they walk three times around the 'Boot', the most important part of the temple. Whilst they walk in procession, they carry 'money trees' or 'money umbrellas' to donate to the temple. I saw plenty of buckets filled with lottery tickets as well. All in all, just short of one million Thai Baht came together this way. I've hardly ever seen it this busy at the temple! Guess, many people did more 'tambun' than usual. On Koh Samui, most people need more luck compared to previous years, due to Covid. On the other hand, social distancing was not an issue during the whole ceremony.

Next week should be an unlikely November week. A week of which you wished you would be here. Mostly sunny with an occasional shower. Come next weekend, we may see some more rain though. Enjoy it whilst it lasts, Samui's rainy season will be knocking on the door very soon.

Whilst you are here, do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page.

There are still plenty Thais and foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. The financial situation is getting worse and worse by the week for many people. Unfortunately I'm no exception to this rule. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, it's much appreciated! Ask me what options are available. Please do help if you can afford to do so! Much appreciated!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 19^th October – 25^th October 2020

Welcome to this new week and the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 19th October – 25th October 2020.

After a few sunny days, this morning it's cloudy again and we had already a few raindrops. Current temperature at 10am is 28C

Last week saw a wet start and a sunny ending. The maximum temperature reached 33C The minimum temperature dropped one night shortly to 23C. In general it was a 24C during most days though. Last weekend was nice and sunny!

Covid19 keeps putting it's mark on Koh Samui, The biggest news last week was that a 57 year old French woman tested positive after her 14 days quarantine. Possibly she got infected at the gym in her ASQ hotel. She tested positive just a few days after her quarantine ended. Thus ending a stretch of well over 230 days that Koh Samui and Surat Thani were Covid free.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 19^th October – 25^th October 2020

Another one bites the dust. One of the many restaurants/shops on the island that is up for sale. You can find this place in Bang Po. This morning, during my early morning run, another pick up truck, loaded with household items, was making it's way to the ferry. Still, on a daily base, many people decide to leave Koh Samui. Back to their home towns and provinces. The amount of empty shops and houses increases each day. 

The forecast for next week predicts mostly cloudy skies and daily showers. Pretty standard weather, this far in to the month.

Whilst you are here, do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and enjoy the beaches around the island or in front of your hotel or resort and get some well deserved rest and a break. That is, once the travel restrictions have been lifted.

There are plenty Thais and foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. The financial situation is getting worse and worse by the week for many people. Including myself and my family. Unfortunately I'm no exception to this rule. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, it's much appreciated! Ask me what options are available. Please do help if you can afford to do so! Much appreciated!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 12^th October – 18^th October 2020

A day late, but nonetheless, here's the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 12th October – 18th October 2020.

My excuse for being late, I was too tired yesterday. After I completed the first episode of the Samui Trail, I was beat and spent for the rest of the day. It was 'only' 14km but with some of the most difficult and technical courses I ever ran on. Well, running is maybe too much said. It was hardcore trail, slipping and sliding through the jungle. Fun, but hard. Below you can find a picture of me in action during the trail.

Today we actually had a nice and rather sunny day. It was warm for a change! It's already 8.30pm and it's still 29C. The maximum temperature today reached 33C

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 12^th October – 18^th October 2020

Some or many of you may remember this place in Chaweng. It's opposite the lake, behind the big building that holds a McDonalds. There used to be a food market here. A thriving food market, each night filled with tourists. Now it has been torn down, because there are no tourists anymore.

During most days of last week we had cloud cover and showers. The maximum temperature reached 31C. The minimum got stuck at 22C during one night, mid week. The rest of the week it dropped to around 23C.

In the meantime, Covid keeps making it's impact around the island. Not with infections! Mind you, the Thai government seems to be protecting the 80% of the Thai population that are not working in the tourist industry. That seems to work. However, having said that, the 20% that are relying on the tourist industry are being hit very hard. Most people are really running out of financial means. Businesses all around the island are closing down and/or are up for sale. More and more people are leaving Koh Samui to go back to their home provinces. Live is cheaper there, no rent, maybe they can grow some own food.

Even out neighborhood, Plai Laem, which is a residential area, experiences the impact of people leaving. The amount of empty houses, rooms, and the like, is staggering. Rows and rows of empty shop houses can be found all over the island. Really sad to see, how many of these business that did really well, have to shut down and go out of business.

December and January are the months that things will really get tight in Thailand. 

In the meantime, keep following the news about the demonstrations in Bangkok. Many people are out on the street. Let's hope this will all find a good and peaceful ending.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 12^th October – 18^th October 2020

Myself in action during the Samui Trail #1 in Lipa Noi yesterday. I'm wading, climbing my way through and out of a waterfall. It was a fun race, but with the most technical route I've ever participated on. My pace was at 11'04 per minute. Most of the route you could only walk, going through the jungle, up hill. Slipping and sliding. Mountain high, river waterfall deep.

For this week, we may experience some rain, starting from Wednesday. From Thursday onward we may have some strong showers each day. We're getting closer to November, our rainy season. The weather forecasts are stating this as well.

Whilst you are here, do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and enjoy the beaches around the island or in front of your hotel or resort and get some well deserved rest and a break. That is, once the travel restrictions have been lifted.

There are plenty Thais and foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. Unfortunately I'm no exception to this rule. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, it's much appreciated! Ask me what options are available. It's getting harder each week! Please do help if you can afford to do so! Much appreciated!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 5^th October – 11^th October 2020

It's Sunday evening and here are with the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 5th October – 11th October 2020. A bit later than usual. This morning I did a 5 hours and 45 minutes hike in the Maenam hills. A recce hike for the 26km trail run I'm planning on running come 15th November, The Monkey Trail. As a result, I didn't get back home until around noon. Showered, ate and slept! Nonetheless, I just reminded myself about the weekly update.

We were actually planning to visit Nathon this evening. However, it started to rain and we decided to stay home and go tomorrow or Tuesday. The yearly Rua Phra or floating cars are roaming the Koh Samui roads and streets. Each night they gather in Nathon. There's a bit of a fair going on and our youngest really wants to go!

In the meantime, here we are, in Plai Laem, at home. Current temperature at 7.30pm is 26C Nice and cool. It's raining.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 5^th October – 11^th October 2020

At the moment I don't visit the Tesco Lotus or Big C outlets that much anymore. However, last week I was in Tesco Lotus in Chaweng. Interestingly I noticed that the children play parks in the shopping malls opened up again. They have been closed for months!

Last week saw quite a bit of rainy days. Especially Sunday to Monday night saw some torrential rain. Most of the other days last week had some showers at some stage. Nonetheless, we also had a few sunnier moments. The maximum temperature barely reached 32C early on during the week. The minimum temperature dropped to 22C on Tuesday night. Besides that one drop, it settled in between 23 and 24C during most nights.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 5th October – 11th October 2020

Another Rua Phra that passed out house last week. Hopefully we can make it to Nathon later this week and check out all the cars/boats/floats.

For next week, plenty of cloud cover is predicted. More rain is to follow as well. After next weekend is when it may start to clear up again.

Next Sunday is the 1st Samui Trail run, in Lipa Noi. A 5k and 15k trail run Rain is predicted. My 15k race might become a challenge indeed. I'm looking forward to it though. Only my thrid race this year. Covid has put a hold on my racing this year.

Whilst you are here, do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and enjoy the beaches around the island or in front of your hotel or resort and get some well deserved rest and a break. That is, once the travel restrictions have been lifted.

There are plenty Thais and foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. Unfortunately I'm no exception to this rule. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, it's much appreciated! There's a donation button on top of this page or ask me for other options. It's getting harder each week! Please do help if you can afford to do so! Everything counts!

Camille