Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 30th November, 2012

Today's weather;

It's cloudy and wet this morning but each day progressively shows or has less rain. Current temp at Koh Samui at 7am is 27.4C

On Malapascua the nice weather keeps going strong although a regional tropical storm is predicted tit 5th December, but I will be well on my way to Khao Lak in Thailand by that time. Time is indeed running out here and Sunday I'm on my way back home again. Current temp at 8am local time is 27C

A procession of the local school on Malapascua with all students

Yesterday saw half as much rain came down compared to the previous day. Still wet but with dry spells now. Max temp reached 28C

The forecast show hard rain during the evening, almost dry tomorrow, hard rain Sunday morning and after that it really should start to ease up, cloudy, but mostly dry. Seeing is believing though!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Goodbye to November 2012

Time really flies and this November has come to an end.

Up until the last week of this month, it was a really nice November with plenty of sunshine and great weather but rather unexpectedly the rainy season weather struck a few days ago with some heavy rain in 3 or 4 consecutive days.

Now it's slowly easing up, still wet days but mot as much rain and some breaks in-between the rain.

A beautifully crafted door at the Guan Yu shrine in Hua Thanon

So much for the weather, it's been a busy month for me, coming straight out of Indonesia and I moved onto the Philippines, where I currently am writing this.

I'm looking forward to December and the holidays go along with this month.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 29th November, 2012

Today's weather;

It's dry this morning around Koh Samui but with overcast and the roads are still wet. Current temp at 7am is 25C

On Malapascua in the Philippines, it's blue skies and sunshine, once more. Current temp at 8am local time is 27C
This morning I went for the early morning dive, departure at 4.45am and saw about a dozen Thresher sharks. Later today the PADI IE will kick off on Malapascua, around 4pm.

My wife and the children went to Wat Plai Laem yesterday evening to float their kratongs

Yesterday saw once more a bit of rain around Samui hut the evening was dry. Around 45mm came down during the daytime, worthy of an average monsoon day. Max tempm reached 28.2C

The forecast is looking, until the weekend heavy overcast but a lot direr and after the weekend almost completely dry and who knows, maybe a sunbeam or two again.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 28th November, 2012

Today's weather;

It's still raining around Samui but not as much as yesterday, although all night it was wet. Current temp at 7am is 24.7C, cold if you live as long as I do on the island!

Today is Loy Kratong so time to get your Kratongs a float.

On Malapascua it's beautiful again, blue skies and sunshine a plenty! Current temp at 8am local time is 27C

Today I'm out on the boats and will go for a couple of dives around the island.

Downtown Malapascua the roosters are kept in the open

Yesterday about half the rain come down compared to the previous day, 'only' 57mm came down. Max temp reached 28C and overall the roads dealt well with the water abundance. Most major roads had just larger puddles than usual and flash floods were rather marginal or not around at all.

The forecast shows easing up of the rain and over the weekend the wind calms down as well, just to pick up again come Monday. The expected rain is a lot less though than the last couple of days.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Loy Kratong 2012

It's the day to float the Kratong's again. In Thai ลอยกระทง. It's also the second time since moving to Thailand that I'm not in country to float a Kratong during Loy Kratong.

Loy Kratong takes place on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the western calendar this usually falls in November.

Loi literally means 'to float,' while kratong refers to the lotus-shaped receptacle which can float on the water. Originally, the kratong was made of banana leaves or the layers of the trunk of a banana tree or a spider lily plant. A kratong contains food, betel nuts, flowers, joss sticks, candle and coins. Modern kratongs are more often made of bread or styrofoam. A bread kratong will disintegrate in a few a days and be eaten by fish and other animals.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 27th November, 2012

Today's weather;

It's raining on Koh Samui and it has rained pretty much for 24 hours on an end, non stop. This is the monsoon in full swing and all it's glory. Current temp at 7am is 26.1C

On Malapascua in the Philippines on the other hand, we're enjoying another sunny morning with a beautiful blue sky. Current temp at 8am local time is 27C with daytime temperatures around 31C

The Philippines is expecting a tropical storm over the weekend, strength and direction of the storm will become clearer over the next couple of days. Hopefully my return to Bangkok on 2nd December will not be affected.

The PADI IDC has been completed yesterday and today and tomorrow we will complete a couple of other instructor related courses, nice and easy going before on 29th November the exams will start.

Plenty of flooded roads yesterday all around the island

Yesterday saw rain all day long, during the heaviest downpour about 70mm came down in just 3 hours, that's a lot! In total 100mm came down yesterday, that can compete with the best, unfortunately. Max temp reached 27.7C

Our children didn't go to school and today school is closed or at least classes are cancelled.

Heavy downpour all day long yesterday around Koh Samui

The forecast shows some easing up on the rain today although there will be rain but not so strong anymore. The wind is picking up though. Come Sunday things should slowly turn around again and cloud cover and wind is supposed to become more favorable.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 26th November, 2012

Today's weather;

It's raining all around Koh Samui this morning and it looks it may last a while today. Current temp at 7am is 25.6C

On Malapascua on the other hand, the sun is out, light and bright, once more. During the daytime we do get occasional cloud formations passing by but it remains dry. Current temp at 8am local time is 27C.

The next couple of days a storm may brew up in the Philippines but it's not known yet what direction it's going to take, we can only hope it won't head for us!

View at one of the dive sites on Malapascua, appropriately called 'The Lighthouse'

Yesterday saw rain all day long around the island and it was a monsoon like day on Samui. Max temp reached 28.7C

The forecast predicts more rain during the morning and early afternoon hours around Samui but the remaining days of this week should still see lots of cloud cover but apparently a lot less rain.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 25th November, 2012

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is clouded this morning and although it's dry at the moment, rain is likely to be part of today's life. Current temp at 7am is 25.5C

On Malapascua the sun keeps beaming. During the day we have sometimes a few clouds drift by but in general it's nice, dry and sunny. Current temp at 8am local time is 27C

The current PADI IDC here is going into it's final stage and by next week we should have 8 new PADI instructors.

Malapascua island in the Visayas, Philippines

Yesterday saw no rain in our area but other parts of the island may have had a bit of rain. Max temp reached 29.7C

The forecast is not looking too good anymore. There will be stronger wind coming along and plenty of rain, it looks like the rainy season found Samui at last.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 24th November, 2012

Today's weather;

On Koh Samui we have the sun out and about with a few scattered clouds, A short shower is not out of the question but overall it should be nice. Current temp at 7am is 25.5C

On Malapascua the sun is beaming again although there are also a few clouds here and the wind picked up again. Current temp at 8am local time is 28C

Malapascua souvenirs which mainly consist of beautifully handcrafted miniature wooden thresher sharks for which Malapascua is famous, miniature wooden Manta Rays and copies of bancas, the local boats

Yesterday there was a little bit of rain early in the morning around Samui but sunshine and nice weather afterwards. Max temp reached 30.7C

The forecast shows mainly overcast for the next 7 days and occasionally a shower but still no sign of the rainy season/monsoon to start!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 23rd November, 2012

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is dry and sunny this morning with just a few clouds in the sky. Let's see how long it holds during the remainder of the day, it's looking good though. Current temp at 7am is 25.5C

In the meantime, back on Malapascua, we're caught in a nice weather spell with mostly sunny skies and a few clouds here and there. Current temp here at 8am local time is 27C. A rather warm day lies ahead of us.

This is where I work at the moment; Malapascua island in the Philippines, away from the Samui monsoon

Yesterday saw a nice and sunny day around Koh Samui again, a quick recovery from the previous rain! Max temp reached 30.6C

The forecast changed a bit, the predicted nice weekend evaporated, now Saturday looks slightly wet and Sunday sees the start of some wind filled days with rain and off all the time, but still no real monsoon in sight.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 22nd November, 2012

Today's weather;

It looks like temporarily the monsoon has taken over on Koh Samui since yesterday was pretty much non stop rain and at times very hard. The good thing is that the roads get flash flooded just like before but the water disappears very quickly nowadays! Max temp reached 25C

Rain on Samui yesterday

Here on Malapascua in the Philippines we are enjoying a sunny morning but we do have occasional cloud over which keeps the temperatures nice and cool(ish). Current temp at 8am local time is 27C

The PADI IDC on Malapascua is going strong here and we hit the half mark today.

There was a fiesta over the last two days on Malapascua and I was invited to a lechon meal or suckling pig roasted over coal. a traditional and very popular dish here on the Philippines

Yesterday saw plenty of rain all day long around Koh Samui. Max temp reached 28C

The forecast predicts that rain is easing up again today and a nice weekend is still in the cards. After the weekend more overcast, wind and rain can be expected.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 21st November, 2012

Today's weather;

It was raining this morning around Koh Samui and it looks like there may be some during the day time. Current temp at 7am is 25C

On Malapascua in the Philippines on the other hand, things are clearing up again and we have a mainly blue sky this morning, just a few fluffy clouds are floating around. Current temp at 8am local time is 28C

Grilling fish on Malapascua beach

Yesterday during the daytime and at night saw plenty of rain around Koh Samui. Max temp reached 28.5C

The forecast shows some more rain today, a lovely sunny weekend and rain afterwards again.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 20th November, 2012

Today's weather;

Overcast with a few beams of sunlight are prevailing on Koh Samui this morning with likely some rain during the morning and a sunny afternoon? Current temp at 7am is 26.2C

On Malapascua we had a change of weather and the hot days seem to make place for some more cloudy skies and occasional showers, although we had a splendid sunset yesterday with some hard rain straight afterwards. It's actually nice to have some cooler weather! Current temp at 8am local time is 27C

A beautiful and dramatic sunset yesterday on Malapascua

Yesterday saw a nice start of the day around Koh Samui followed by some early morning rain and a nice an sunny afternoon. Max temp reached around 31C

The forecast for the next 7 days is looking good, Friday and the weekend look splendid and for today and Monday overcast and some showers are predicted.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 19th November, 2012

Today's weather;

The sun is out and about this morning around Koh Samui but I wouldn't be surprised if we see some rain later today. Current temp at 7am is 26.4C

On Malapascua another sunny day is in the making. Current temp at 8am local time is 27C but it does heat up during the mornings!

The Malapascua PADI IDC for November has started yesterday with a 8 candidates, a nice group!

Malapascua beach, view from the sea, coming back from a dive

Yesterday saw some rain during the morning around Samui but the afternoon was bright and sunny. Max temp reached 31.3C

The forecast shows a mixed bag now, overcast and occasionally a shower but the weekend looks promising again with sunshine.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 18th November, 2012

Today's weather;

A sunny sky with some overcast is yours around Koh Samui this morning with a current temp at 7am of 25.5C

On Malapascua it's another great start of the day, two days in a row I've been on the 5am dive and each day we've seen Thresher sharks, what Malapascua is famous for. It's sunny and it looks like a nice and warm day ahead of us, perfect conditions to start the PADI IDC here.
Current temp at 8am local time is 27C

Basketball court on Malapascua, popular sport # 1 in the Philippines

Yesterday saw a nice around Samui with some sunshine but also a shower during the night. Max temp reached around 31C

The forecast shows overcast and some rain until Thursday and sunny skies afterwards.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 17th November, 2012

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is waking up under sunshine again. Current temp at 7am is 25.5C

On Malapascua we were also welcomed by a bright blue sky. Current temp at 8am local time is 27C

We already completed a 5am dive at a dive site called Monad Shoal and saw 3 Thresher sharks, what this dove site is well known for. A truly great start of the day.

The Philippines, a catholic country, hence; churches, this is the one on Malapascua!

Yesterday saw a nice start of the day around Samui but during the afternoon it poured down heavily for a while and it ended with a dry evening again. Max temp reached 31.3C

The forecast remains pretty much the same, until Wednesday overcast with on and off some rain and from there onward it should be sunny.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 16th November, 2012

Today's weather;

Koh Samui doesn't seem to give up this November, another sunny and bright day is about to start with a current temp of 26.2C at 7am

At last I arrived yesterday evening on Malapascua, a small island North of Cebu in the Philippines, after two long days of travelling but it felt real good to be back again. This morning I woke up with a sunny sky here although yesterday we had some heavy rain on the way over during the car ride. Current temp at 8am local time is 28C

A nice early shot of Malapascua beach

Yesterday saw sunny skies all around Samui with a max temp of 31.4C

The forecast looks good for the next 7 days, some overcast and an occasional shower but especially after mid next week sunshine is expected again.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 15th November, 2012

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is nice and sunny again this morning but with an almost chilling current temp of just 24.8C

After a very long day filled with travel between Samui, Bangkok, Manila and Cebu, including some delays, I did at arrive last night around midnight at my final destination, Cebu City. The current temp at 8am local time is 28C and it's nice and sunny.

Today I will be on my way to Malapascua where I will start a PADI IDC later this week.

Jeepney in Cebu City this morning, I love seeing them every time I'm in the Philippines

Yesterday saw a nice and sunny day around Koh Samui with a max temp of 31.2C

The forecast shows plenty of overcast around Samui for the next 7 days with the possibility of an occasional shower.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 14th November, 2012

Today's weather;

It's sunny with a thin cloud layer over Koh Samui. It looks lie a nice day in the making, there was a very beautiful and bright star lit sky early this morning as well. Current temp at 7am is 25C

It's going to be a long day today for me, around 8.30am I will leave the house and my final destination is Mactan airport in Cebu City, Philippines, where I should arrive around midnight. Tomorrow it's off to Malapascua where I will, start a PADI IDC later this week.

The whole place may be torn down but not the little good luck house for Buddha's blessing, in Nathon

Yesterday saw a dry and partly sunny day. Max temp reached 30.5C

The forecast predicts fairly good weather for this time of the year, some days will have some more overcast compare to others, there may be a tropical shower or two but nothing that indicates a start of the rainy season in the next seven days!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 13th November, 2012

Today's weather;

Today we have overcast and a weak sun trying to break through but it's dry again. Current temp at 7am is 27.7C on Koh Samui.

Amphur or municipality in Nathon

Yesterday saw plenty of rain during the morning, including some thunder and strong wind gusts but the remainder of the day stayed relatively dry, besides a couple of local showers in the afternoon. Max temp reached 29.8C

The forecast has become a lot nicer again, overcast until Sunday and rain on Saturday but the freak storm which was predicted for Friday seems to have evaporated.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 12th November, 2012

Today's weather;

This morning delivered as predicted, dark, grey clouds and rain are having a ball over Koh Samui, laced with some thunder and lightning and occasionally some hard wind. Current temp at 7am is 27.4C

Rain and clouds over Plai Laem this morning

Yesterday saw another nice November, filled with sunshine and it was warm again. Possibly the last one for a while. It started to rain during the night though. Max temp reached 31.5C

The forecast shows rain for today with overcast until Friday when a freak storm might hit Samui with strong wind, just to ease off pretty much immediately and after the weekend it might all clear up again.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 11th November, 2012

Today's weather;

The sun is out and about today but it's also partly cloudy this morning around Koh Samui. Current temp at 7am is 26C

Bang Po beach where we had a fantastic seafood lunch at Siripoca yesterday

Yesterday saw once more a dry and sunny November day around the island. Very unusual, although last year we also had a dry November. Max temp reached 31.3C which made it feel warm at times.

The forecast now shows a bit of wind and rain tomorrow with an increase of overcast the rest of the week and some rain and wind again come Friday.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Blocking of Krabi video considered, the video the Thai tourism ministry doesn't want you to see

Things start to get out of control seemingly over the video made by a Dutch father after his 19 year old daughter got raped in Krabi 27th July, see my post from yesterday titled Evil man of Krabi.

"It is possible to block from viewing in Thailand a YouTube video clip produced by the father of a Dutch girl who was reportedly raped in Krabi", permanent secretary of the Tourism and Sports Ministry Suwat Sitthilor said yesterday.

The father was possibly furious due to a misunderstanding. He went on to say that the authorities would try to help the girl's father understand the situation in order to "rebuild the country's image". 

The Dutch father of the raped girl

In addition, a video clip promoting Thailand as a tourism destination will be produced and distributed among ambassadors of many countries, including the Netherlands, Australia, UK and China, he added. 

"I am now consulting with the Information and Communications Technology Ministry about the possibility of blocking the video from being viewed in Thailand," he added.

To make things worse, the Tourism Minister goes on file for stating the following, it can only be  hoped for him that he was misquoted;

Tourism Minister Chumphol Silapa-archa had said earlier that the incident could not be considered rape. He quoted provincial tourism police chief, Pol Maj-General Loi Ingkhaphairoj as saying: "The woman had dinner with the Thai suspect and a foreign man. Later, she told the foreign man to return to the hotel before heading off with the suspect." 

Click on the following link for the whole article

If the video will be banned from viewing in Thailand, only more people outside of Thailand, who will still be able to see the video, will become aware of the issue at hand and the Tourism Minister is getting exactly what he's trying to avoid, lots of publicity around the video.

Instead of trying to look at what the underlying problem is, now in typical Thai style it is tried to brush the problem under the carpet so nobody can see it. At least not in Thailand!

Since this news was released, the views on the video have increased and many people outside of Thailand who weren't aware of the case have already taken notice. Let's hope word does spread!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 10th November, 2012

Today's weather;

It's a little hazy this morning around Koh Samui but still dry as cork for this time of the eyar. Current temp at 7am is 26C

Sator (bitter bean or stink bean) at the market in Nathon, a vegetable used in Southern dishes with a very distinct and strong taste

Yesterday saw once more a nice and sunny day around the island. max temp reached 31.6C

The forecast shows now some occasional bumps in the road, after the weekend, Monday and Tuesday should have slightly more wind and some light showers and Friday shows a freak storm.

Still no sign of the monsoon.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Evil man from Krabi

Not too long ago, in the night of July 27th, a 19 year old Dutch girl was raped in Ao Nang in Krabi province.

A Thai tour guide has been arrested for the rape of the 19-yr-old model who told the police that she was beaten so severely that she is sure she would have died if she had not finally stopped resisting the attack.

A shotgun toting angry father has put an emotional musical video up on the internet in protest that her attacker has been given bail.
The father of the girl, who herself stars in music videos, has titled the song ‘Evil Man in Krabi’ after the province in southern Thailand where she was raped earlier this year.

The video in question can be seen above

The father's song is preceded by a statement in both English and Thai which states:

"In the night of July 27th our beloved daughter was beaten badly and raped by a tour guide in Ao Nang province of Krabi.  The man escaped but was found after one month. They put him in jail but now he is free on bail and denying what happened. It cannot be that a man gets away with this crime not in Holland, not in Thailand, not in the whole world."

The girl was treated for injuries at Krabi Hospital and was able to testify at a special court hearing before returning home to the Amsterdam. Krabi Provincial Police also say they have DNA evidence.

Chumpon Khaonuang was identified by the girl from CCTV footage taken at the Chang Bar in Ao Nang.  The girl’s boyfriend had retired early and she had accepted a lift back to her holiday apartment after Khaonuang said he was going her way.

Despite the evidence Khaonuang was allowed bail and after an initial confession has pleaded not guilty.

It is understood that the victim was offered an inducement to drop the case by the alleged rapist's 'sister', another bar owner in Ao Nang. The offer was refused.

Shortly after this event, another incident concerned teenagers attacking a tourist couple. The man was stabbed and wounded severely while his girlfriend barely escaped with the assistance of the locals in the area.

Ithirit Kinglek, head of Krabi’s tourism authority, said the video clip called Evil man from Krabi which has circulated on the internet for about two weeks has affected the province’s tourism industry.

He said many tourists from England have cancelled their trips after the video emerged on YouTube.

The content of the clip talks about several violent incidents that involved foreigners in Ao Nang and have been allegedly covered up by Thai authorities. See this link.

Please spread the word on this violence and seemingly unjust handling of this case.

In general Thailand is safe, I've been living here now for 13 years, going into my 14th year but recently more and more reports of attacks on tourists which involve rape during the Full moon parties on Koh Phangan, fatal stabbings on Phuket and these two incidents in Krabi province keep popping up. 

I can feel the anger and pain of the Dutch father, so be careful and safe out there!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 9th November, 2012

Today's weather;

A blue sky hovers over Koh Samui this morning with just a few fluffy white spots in it. Current temp at 7am is 26.7C

Chilies at the Nathon market, spice up your food Thai style

Yesterday was a warm and sunny day around the island. Max temp reached 31.3C

The forecast didn't change much, Monday should have a little bit more wind and some rain. The big change is coming though, next Friday, 16th November, strong winds and plenty of rain are predicted, will this be the start of the rainy season?

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Rua Chak Phra, Nathon, November 2012

The Samui boats are on the loose again and yesterday all participating 'boats' from all temples around our island gathered in Nathon for a few days of festivities and to show off their respective 'Rua Chak Phra'.

A couple of boats lined up this morning

Usually this festival is held in October, on the 8th day of the waning moon of the 11th lunar month  The moon cycle put it his year in November though. If you're interested, a few more days they will show off near the Seatran pier in Nathon and especially in the evening, being well lit up, it will loom spectacular. There's also a market, with all kinds of Thai food and bits and pieces.

The teak wooden boat from Wat Kongkaram, a couple of more pictures of this particular boat can be seen on last years report

Wat Don Tuub's 'boat' or Rua

The festival celebrates the official end of the annual three-month Buddhist Rains retreat (Phansa). The Chak Phra Festival literally means the procession of hauling the Buddha images.

Wat Kunaram

The original stems from the Buddhist belief that during Phansa the Buddha went up to Heaven to preach to his mother's spirit. The day of his return to Earth is called "Ok Phansa" and the festival marks that date. It is also an occasion for religious merit making and celebrations.

Wat Praderm

The enchanting processions of revered Buddha images are carried out on land and water to represent the Buddha's return to Earth. Local people also organize boat races on the Tapi River in Surat Thani with longboats which carry up to 50 exuberant rowers, cheered along by shouting and laughing crowds along the banks of the river.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 8th November, 2012

Today's weather;

Blue skies and a few single clouds in the sky! Is this November on Koh Samui! Yes it is, at least the first week of the 2012 version! Enjoy it whilst it lasts, the much needed rain should be upon us sooner or later. Current temp at 7am is 26.4C

A flower in our late Thai spring, anybody knows the name?

Yesterday saw a merely sunny day with some warmer than usual temperatures and no sign of rain. Max temp reached 31.2C

The forecast predicts lovely weather, with some wind and rain this coming Monday and some more clouds towards the end of next week. Still, hardly any rain compared to other Novembers.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 7th November, 2012

Today's weather;

It's fairly blue around Koh Samui this morning, pretty much as predicted and this means that the sun is having free range! Current temp at 7am is 27.2C

A beautiful and seemingly healthy mangrove swamp behind our children's school

Yesterday saw a mostly sunny day around the island and it became very warm again. The evenings are nice and coll though and yesterday it stayed dry all day and all night long. Max temp reached 31C

The forecast for the next 7 days looks nice with plenty of sun and a dip come Monday and Tuesday with a bit of wind and rain.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 6th November, 2012

Today's weather;

Overcast with an occasional blue spot this morning is what Koh Samui has to offer. Current temp at 7am is 25.7C

Samui sky this morning around 7am around Plai Laem

Yesterday saw a sunny morning which was slowly taken over by clouds during the afternoon and ended with some light rain during the early evening. Max temp reached 30.6C

Today and tomorrow morning should bring us more overcast but after that it's supposed to clear up and the sun gets another shot until next Tuesday, when overcast is predicted again.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 5th November, 2012

Today's weather;

It's dry on Koh Samui right but it could go any direction, sunny, overcast or rainy. That's November for you. Current temp at 6am is around 25C

Right now I'm waiting to board my flight back home to Samui at KLIA near Kuala Lumpur. It's cloudy and wet here, upon arriving yesterday is rained nd it looked as if they had plenty of rain here recently. It's 24C at 7am local time.

Dengkil, Malaysia, halfway between the airport terminals and Kuala Lumpur

After a sunny morning start, it rained all day yesterday around Koh Samui. Max temp reached around 28C

The forecast predicts a few more cloudy days, potentially with some more rain and it should clear up mid week again.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 4th November, 2012

Today's weather;

A really early morning sun on Koh Samui got quickly replaced by some light rain with the sun still peeking through the clouds. Current temp at 7am is 25C

Right now I'm waiting for my taxi in a sunny morning Senggigi on Lombok, Indonesia to take me to airport and a flight to Kula Lumpur's LCCT terminal where I will finally leave on a Samui bound flight tomorrow morning from the International terminal. 

It looks like really nice this morning but yesterday saw a few showers. Current temp at 8am local time is 27C

Senggigi beach yesterday afternoon

Yesterday saw a nice and sunny day around around Samui, with some thunder and lighting during the evening and possibly some rain during the night. Max temp reached 30.8C

The forecast is still looking good, although there may be overcast and an occasional tropical shower, which for this time of the year can be considered as a good forecast!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 3rd November, 2012

Today's weather;

Koh Samui has some overcast but it looks like the sun might break through. Current temp at 7am is 26.5C

It's my last morning on Gili Air in Indonesia (hence the welcome sign picture!) and once more it's a blue and sunny sky that welcomed us this morning. Current temp at 8am local time is 29C

Later today I'm off to Senggigi on Lombok, a first! Just one night though and tomorrow I will board a flight to Kuala Lumpur where there will be another night layover before I land on Samui Monday morning.

This should be my last visit this yer but hopefully I will be back in February 2013 again.

For my candidates it was a long night after they all successfully passed their PADI IE yesterday.

Welcome to Gili Air!

Yesterday saw a fairly nice day around the island with sunshine but a shower in the early evening. Max temp reached 31C

The forecast is stable sine a few days, the next 7 days may show overcast but hardly any rain.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Welcome to November 2012

November is usually the monsoon or month with the most rain on Koh Samui.

The recent 2011 and 2009 versions were mild and fairly sunny but in 2010, 2008 and 2007 it was relentless rain, almost non stop, almost how a typical monsoon should be!

Grey and cloudy skies with fisherman's boats in the bays, that's a typical Samui November for you

Now we're moving into the 6th recorded issue of a November since I started this blog and for the next 7 days the forecast looks good! We'll see if the remainder of the month will be as good. Statistically you shouldn't could on it!

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille