Goodbye to December 2012

It's time to look back at the month of December 2012 after I already looked back yesterday at the year 2012.

This December was interesting month, first of all I ran a race for the first time outside of Thailand and a quite impressive one to boost, the Nike we run Manila 10km with some 13.700 other runners. That same morning of the run it was off back home again to Koh Samui! Just for a few days before another IDC in Khao Lak would start.

Those few days were just good enough to experience one day and one night without electricity, which in the end turned out to be almost 4 days without electricity on the island. This made the world news!

There were also municipal elections with a result that made me happy.

All in all a good month with plenty of good food at the usual fave places. Later this morning we're off to Nakhon Si Thammarat to run the last race of the year and we're back on Samui tomorrow afternoon.

A prosperous New Year to all my readers and see you next year!

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; 31st December, 2012

Today's weather;

It's grey around Koh Samui this morning and some rain is expected. Current temp at 7am is 28.8C

One of our neighbors in Plai Laem walking his buffalo in the morning

Yesterday saw a bit of a mixed bag, plenty of sunshine but a shower in the morning and the afternoon and plenty of showers during the evening and night. Max temp reached 30C

The forecast shows an increased wind power and rain pretty much all day long, which should make for a wet change into the New Year. Tomorrow might see some rain as well but after that it should stya more or less dry for the remainder of the week.

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

The Year 2012, looking back

It's that time of the year and time to look back at 2012. A busy year at times, especially towards the end with lots of work but also a year with many, many running races for me, something I don't mind at all, I found out this year!

Let's have a look then;

In January we visited the Sabeinglae restaurant in Lamai, a place that ranks high on our fave list! This was also the month when I unexpectedly walked into the Chinese New Year celebrations in Nathon. A very interesting event, not to be missed but also not for the faint hearted.

Chinese New year festivities in Nathon

February saw a round of mini golf in Choengmon, good fun for the family, a concert of Pong Lan Sa On at the local temple, definitely one of the high lights this year and I started blogging 5 years ago. A nice mini jubilee.

March saw my first PADI IDC on Malapascua in the Philippines with PADI 5* IDC Center Sea Explorers. More were to follow! 

Temple party food; Mengda talee

April saw a scary moment during the PADI IDC in Khao Lak, a real tsunami warning, something not to forget too lightly. Luckily for everybody in the area it was a false alarm.

Songkran was also celebrated in Khao Lak this year.

The sun is about to set at Big Buddha

In May I ran one of my many races this year, the Care for Cancer run organized by the Four Seasons in remembrance of Terry Fox.

June saw my 2nd year running in a row of the half marathon of the Phuket Laguna International Marathon, with another two half marathons to follow later during the year.

In July the Pattaya half marathon was due, with a personal best! Good times!! The yearly Kila Amphur was also taking place and some old style Samui pictures emerged, pretty cool!

Guan Yu shrine in Hua Thanon

Snow Patrol live in Manila was unexpectedly scheduled for August, a good show and it was good to see my friend from my music days again.

Kila Ampur

September was a busy month for running, the Samui Hill Challenge, the half marathon of the Princess Cup or Samui Island Marathon and a second place in my age category in the Full Moon marathon on Koh Phangan where I ran the 10km distance.

This month also saw the release of Hawksbill turtles at the Silavadee resort in Lamai. A very special event indeed.

During October I went to visit the Magic Alambic distillery in Ban Thale, well worth a visit.

Bang Rak bay

In November the always very colorful Rua Chak Phra festival in Nathon is held with plenty of interesting 'boats' on display.

December put Samui in the world spotlights with a 3 day power cut to the island!

saw me running the Nike we run Manila event with 13.700 other runners and I ended in the first 300, according to my running computer. Nice that in Khao Lak a week or two later, somebody approached me when I was wearing the Manila shirt that they did the dame run in Moscow! Two more races followed, in Kathu, Phuket and tomorrow in Nakhon Si Thammarat. A very busy running season indeed and I loved every minute of it!

My summary ended up with plenty of racing in it but lots of other events happened as well, search my blog and thou will find! I wish you all a Happy and Prosperous 2013 and see you next year!

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!

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

Today's weather;

It;s sunny this morning but there are clouds lurking around Koh Samui's skies. Current temp at 7am is 27C

One of my fave beaches on the island; Choengmon Beach. It has been a while since I've seen it this busy

Yesterday was a nice and sunny day with a max temp of 33.1C At 3.30am it rained and stormed for about 15 minutes which causes a very short power cut.

The forecast has changed a bit, rain is expected today and not so much tomorrow anymore and the wind seems to be a lot less string then previously predicted. Only today and tomorrow mornign should see some 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; 29th December, 2012

Today's weather;

An almost clear blue sky welcomes us on our little spot on Koh Samui this morning. Current temp at 7am is 23.9C

It's not always fun on Koh Samui. The remains of a fatal motorbike accident around the corner of our house last night. Be careful when using the roads on the island, they are crowded and very dangerous!

Yesterday saw a mostly sunny and once more dry day with a max temp of 30.8C

The forecast still hasn't changed. From Monday onward until Thursday, plenty of rain and strong wind.

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 December, 2012

Today's weather;

A nice blue sky is shaping up over Koh Samui. Current temp is around 26C

Big wall on the side of a house in Nathon with photo accessory advertisement when that wasn't digital yet

Yesterday saw a nice day with regular sunny breaks. Max temp reached around 30C

The forecast is good for today and tomorrow but 31st December sees lots of rain and strong winds, to be continued in light up and down scale until next 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

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

Today's weather;

A blue sky is shaping up around Koh Samui with scattered clouds in it. Current temp at 7am is 26.3C

Samui Mart in Nathon, the first department store on the island, way before Tesco Lotus and Big C arrived

Yesterday saw a nice and dry day with plenty of sun moments. Max temp reached 30.5C

The forecast for the next 7 days is looking until 31st December, when wind and rain arrive on the island.

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

Upcoming events in 2013

As already mentioned in an earlier post today, the THA or Thai Hotel Association Samui chapter is going to be busy next year, either organizing or-co-organizing a lot of events next year! Here's a tentative schedule of events coming up;

Re:earth Festival, from Fri-Sat 22-23 February 2013 

29th March will see the 1st Koh Samui Midnight Run

April 21st will see the Samui Triathlon

During May another Cancer care Charity fun run in Nathon will be held, date to be announced

Samui Regatta May 25th - June 1st 2013

During July the first edition of the Samui Coconut festival will be held, dates to be announced

August will see the Queen's Cup Golf Tournament, dates to be announced

September will be busy;

Samui Jazz Festival, dates to be announced

2nd Samui Hill Challenge, 8th September

Princess Cup, Samui Island Marathon, date to be announced

First Off Road triathlon on Koh Samui 11 and 12 October (first off road triathlon in Thailand)

December 14th will see a soap box race

Lots of activities and events! Hope to see you there next year!!!!

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 Midnight Run, 30th March 2013

The THA or Thai Hotel Assocation (Souther Chapter) on Koh Samui is going to be actively involved in a plenty of events next year around the island.

One brand new event is a 10km midnight run to be held 30th March 2013 (changed from the original date of 30th March), with start and finish at the Reggae Pub and two loops of 5km each are planned through Chaweng! This event is organized by the THA-Samui and as a runner I hope it's going to be a success and an event on the agenda for years to come!

You can register now online here!

More details for the run will be announced in due time but a big party after the run is in the making.

The tentative route, which has to be run twice

I can only hope to be on Samui for this event since right now I may well be on the road 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; 26th December, 2012

Today's weather;

It's partly cloudy on Koh Samui but that mans that the other part is sunny! It looks like a nice day in the making. Current temp at 7am is 26.7C

Today's it's 8 years ago that the 2004Tsunami struck Thailand, a moment to remember.

Police Patrol Boat 813 in Khao Lak, part of the Tsunami memorial in April 2012

Yesterday saw a nice day around the island with occasionally some sunshine. Max temp reached 30C

The forecast is looking good with plenty of sunshine until 31st December which should bring plenty of rain and strong winds.

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

Happy Christmas 2012

Happy Christmas to all my readers

Christmas tree worms around Koh Samui dive sites

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!

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

Today's weather;

We have a few blue spots around Koh Samui again! The rain of the last couple of days has passed. Current temp at 7am is 26.6C

Happy Christmas to all my readers.

Wat Plai Laem under grey clouds

Yesterday was a lot nicer than expected, besides the rain in the morning, the rest of the day was dry although there was a strong wind and all dive and snorkel boats had to turn around and come back, due to the heavy waves. Max temp reached 29C

The forecast for the next 7 days shows nice and sunny weather. Rain and wind aren't expected back until New Years Eve!

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

Preliminary results of the Municipal elections on Koh Samui, December 2012

Here are the preliminary results of the Municipal elections on Koh Samui in December 2012;

For Mayor: Mr.Ramnet Jaikwang received 16,259 votes, Ms.Thanomsri Rattanarak received 14,338 votes.

Member of municipal council: Samui Progress got 12 members, Pattana Samui got 12 members.

The sign with the preliminary results in Nathon

Over 30,000 votes is a nice turnout. Once the vote is confirmed, I wish the new incumbent and the new Mayor, Khun Ramnet good luck with governing Samui for another 4 years.

A big sign holding the results of one of the 4 voting districts on Samui, this being district # 1

All this information and the pictures comes from the informative Facebook page of Nathon City.

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 December, 2012

Today's weather;

Dark grey clouds prevail over Koh Samui this morning. Right now it is a little bit brighter over our house but the distance looks very dark. Most of the night saw rain and there was a power cut around 3am for about an hour or so. Current temp at 7am is 23.4C

Yesterday's municipal elections seem to have been won by the incumbent Mayor Ramnate Chaikwang, which I think is a good result since Khun Ramnate seems really concerned about the island and tried to get things done.

The local internet chat forums are rife with talk about vote counting but for serious money, 3 to 4,000.-THB per vote is mentioned and mainly candidate 1 is mentioned for offering the high prices.

Vote counting yesterday afternoon in Nathon

Yesterday saw a mostly dry day until the night time, when it all let loose. Max temp reached 29.8C

The forecast shows very strong wind today and some more rain. As of tomorrow the wind calms down again and the rain becomes less and the sun is expected out 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; 23rd December, 2102

Today's weather;

Grey clouds form the background this morning around Koh Samui and after a night of almost non stop rain it's dry since a few hours. Current temp at 7am is 26.3C

The polling station in Plai Laem for today's municipal elections for a new Mayor

Yesterday saw some hard rain in the early morning but surprisingly it stayed dry for the rest of the day and we even had a few sunshine moments. The whole night it rained though, culminating in a loud thunder and lightning crescendo around 4.30am and after that it dried up again. Max temp reached 29.7C

The forecast shows more rain today, very strong wind and lots of rain tomorrow and after that we should have sunny days again with 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

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

Today's weather;

During my early morning run today, starting around 6am, there were plenty of lightning flashes coming out of the dark clouds but it stayed pretty much dry until I got home around 7am and all rain hell broke loose. Current temp around Koh Samui at 7am is 25.8C

View on our garden this morning

Yesterday was a warm and pleasant day and during the daytime it was dry. Max temp reached 30.5C

The forecast predicts rain today and a little bit tomorrow and plenty of rain and stronger wind on 24th and 25th December. The wind and rain pretty much stop after those two days and the end of the year could be sunny 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; 21st December, 2012

Today's weather;

It's lightly clouded over Koh Samui with a good chance of sunshine later today. Current temp at 7am is 26C

The once very busy market of Laem Din in Chaweng

Yesterday saw a dry and fairly hot day around the island with occasional sunshine but also with plenty of cloud cover and possibly some rain during the night. Max temp reached 30.1C

The forecast for the next 7 days with strong winds on Monday and Tuesday and plenty of rain between Monday and Thursday.

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 December, 2012

Today;s weather;

It was very cloudy early in the morning around Koh Samui but slowly a few blue spots are coming in and taking over, for the time being. Current temp at 7am is 28.5C

The local election campaigns are in full swing, bill boards can be found all around the island and the deafening loud campaign trucks pass by every other hour or so, next Sunday is the big day

Yesterday was another dry day with short moments of sunshine. Max temp reached 30.5C

The forecast for the next 7 days predicts clouds and from Sunday through Wednesday stronger winds and a bit more 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

Food on wheels, back to 1972

Last month I couldn't update this series of 'Food on Wheels', hence a special picture this time around. I was lucky enough to find a picture of a fruit cart from 1972, already 40 years ago! How time flies.

1972

In the background is also a a cart what seems to sell Ba Pao. Some things luckily enough just never change! I had already a few black and white pictures up from the sixtees, earlier this year in July, check it out and enjoy.

For good measure a fruit selling cart from this year

If you follow my blog and this series, you may know how fond I am of vintage photographs and this is an excellent copy. I hope you enjoyed it and I hope you check in next month for a follow up on this series.

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 December, 2012

Today's weather;

A light cloud layer hangs over Koh Samui and the sun doesn't seem powerful enough to lift the clouds up. Current temp at 7am is 26C

Raad Na (ราดหน้า) and sateh at Dcheed 2 on the ring road in Chaweng one of my fave places to eat and always a must eat place when I've been away from the island

Yesterday saw a dry and warm day again around the island but it wasn't as sunny as the previous day. Max temp reached 30.5C

The forecast shows plenty of overcast over the next 7 days and it looks like we will have a very wet Christmas period this year.

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 December, 2012

Today's weather;

A thin cloud layer hovers above Koh Samui, it may well evaporate once the sun starts heating up. Current temp at 7am is 26.7C

Jackfruit or ขนุน (kanun) in our garden

Yesterday saw a very hot day, the early morning clouds completely evaporated and the sun moved in. Max temp reached 30.2C

The forecast for the next 7 days has eased up a little bit, less wind is predicted except for the 24th and it's going to be mostly cloudy with occasional showers.

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 December, 2012

Today's weather;

It's good to be back home again, I arrived late last evening on Koh Samui and I'm going to stay for about 3 weeks before I have to leave again. The sky is a real mix up this morning, blue patches with white clouds and threatening dark and grey clouds. Everything is possible today. Current temp at 7am is 25.5C

It's been a while but here's Samui sky again

Yesterday morning there was some rain and afterwards the sun even broke through a few times. Max temp reached 30C

The forecast is not looking good for Christmas, strong wind and lots of rain 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; 16th December, 2012

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is dry at the moment but there was some hard rain earlier this morning. Current temp at 7am is 25,8C

In Khao Lak we see a thin cloud layer with the sun working hard to dissolve the clouds. Current temp at 7am is 23.1C
Yesterday we saw some hard rain during the late afternoon. Later today, after the completion of the PADI IE I will drive back home and should have almost three weeks to spend at home!

Some lovely flowers along the roadside in Khao Lak

Yesterday saw a bit of a mixed bag around Samui, a little bit of rain and plenty of dry spells. Max temp reached 29.8C

The forecast for the next 7 days shows plenty of overcast going hand in hand with occasional showers.

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 December, 2012

Today's weather;

This morning shows rain around Koh Samui, although right now it eased up a little bit but last night there was plenty of thunder and lightning going on. Current temp at 7am is 24C

In Khao Lak it's cloudy but dry at the moment with a current temp of 23.7C. Yesterday saw a little bit of rain her but nothing like on Samui.

Today the PADI IE is about to start in less than an hour and it looks like I will be home tomorrow again.

At last, the PEA Statement in English about electricity cuts on Koh Samui which I posted a few days ago in Thai

Yesterday saw some very hard rain during the day and night time partially accompanied by loud thunder and lightning. Almost 120mm of rain came down and it looks like the rainy season has a surprise in it's tail end. Max temp reached 28.7C

The forecast predicts a wet weekend and overcast for all of next week with on and off some 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 elections, 23rd December 2012

Very soon there will be elections to vote for a new mayor, this coming 23rd December, 2102.

A strange day in Western eyes, in the middle of peak season, especially considering that the night of the 22nd it won't be allowed to serve alcohol in bars and they will have to be closed. A strange loophole in this law does however allow restaurants to serve alcohol during the days leading up to an election.

Some of the registered people for the upcoming election

By law, elections should be arranged in a specific period of time which can be extended, but only on a basis of necessity and the peak time for tourism does not seem to be a necessity in the eyes of law. Hence, elections on 23rd December.

An interesting map of Samui, dividing the island up in districts for the elections

It's going to be an interesting election and I can only hope that the current mayor will be voted into office again, since he did a very good job the past 4 years and worked hard to improve the infrastructure around the island.

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 December, 2012

Today's weather;

It's raining this morning on Koh Samui, not very hard but it's wet again. Current temp at 7am is 27.2C

In Khao Lak it's partially sunny, blue areas are surrounded by fluffy white clouds, it looks like it's going to be hot here. Current temp at 7am is 23.4C

Yesterday the PADI IDC in Khao Lak was completed and tomorrow the PADI IE for my candidates will start.

The HTMS Tapi of the Thai Royal Navy in Tab Lamu harbor, near Khao Lak

Yesterday saw a nice day around Koh Samui, partially clouded but dry. Max temp reached 30.5C

The forecast shows overcast and rain for the next 7 days except Monday and Tuesday should have clear skies and 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; 13th December, 2012

Today's weather;

It's partly cloudy around Koh Samui but the sun is also out this morning. Current temp at 7am is 26C

In Khao Lak it looks like the sun is about to break through and a nice day is in the making. Current temp is 22.8C

Yesterday a street party and market started, which will last for a few days. It's a nice mix, aiming at both locals and tourists.

During the afternoon we had some rain again and max temp reached nonetheless 31.7C

Khao Lak street party and market with crispy pork and roasted duck

Yesterday saw a warm and dry around Samui with power on at most locations. There were some minor interruptions in restricted areas. max temp reached 30.5C

The forecast mainly predicts overcast with some rain expected on Saturday and a clear sky on Monday.

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

Great Alms offering at Chaweng Lake to 2600 monks

This Sunday, 16th December at 7am there will be great alms offering to 2600 monks at Chaweng Lake. A great opportunity to witness an interesting local event and maybe get a couple of good pictures from this rather unique event for Koh Samui.

It´s an early start at 7am, especially coming by car, you will need to be there early for a good parking spot since the majority of the Thai community will most likely be there.

It sure looks like an interesting event!

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 December, 2012

Today's weather;

Koh Samui's sky is cloudy but most likely it will stay dry or possibly just a small shower. Current temp at 7am is 25C

Yesterday rumor spread around the island that there would be another power cut which would last up to 3 days! The PEA, the agency responsible for the power distribution issued the statement below denying that this supposed black out is the case but they urge people to cut down on electricity use between 18.00 and 20.00 when demand is high.

Koh Samui, PEA statement about supposed black out 

In the meantime, back in Khao Lak, we also have cloudy days and this morning is no different. Current temp at 7am is 23.7C

Yesterday we even had some hard rain during the afternoon.

Rainy afternoon in Khao Lak yesterday

Yesterday saw a cloudy day over Koh Samui with a max temp of 29C

The forecast shows cloudy days ahead with some rain and stronger wind over the weekend and as of Tuesday the sunny days should be back 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 December, 2012

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is gearing up for a nice and warm day, the sun is heating up in a blue sky, with a few scattered clouds. Current temp at 7am is 24.8C

In Khao Lak, it was cloudy yesterday and this morning again. It rained a little bit yesterday afternoon and I wouldn't be surprised if a little bit of rain would come down today. Current temp at 7am is also 24.8C

The main road going through Khao Lak, as it currently is, facing the 'downtown' area

Yesterday saw plenty of cloud cover over Samui all day long, except for a promising start in the morning. Max temp reached 30.2C

The forecast predicts slightly stronger wind and some rain over the weekend with a slight improvement after the weekend.

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 December, 2012

Today's weather;

Last night it rained on Koh Samui but a blue is shaping up again over the island with a current temp of 25.7C

Today is an official holiday as it is Constitution Day, celebrating the start of a constitutional democracy in 1932.

Khao Lak, where the current PADI IDC reached the half way mark, had some rain last night as well and despite  a thin cloud layer, the sun is working hard to break through. Current temp is 25.2C

Main road in Khao Lak, as it looked like yesterday. Change is coming, the whole road is being widened

Yesterday saw another warm and sunny day around Koh Samui, very much unlike your typical monsoon weather which should prevail until mid December. Max temp reached 30.7C

The forecast has some slight changes for the next 7 days, a little bit more overcast is expected but Friday and the weekend could bring some, by now well needed, 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; 9th December, 2012

Today's weather;

At the moment it seems that I have said all there is to it about the black outs that hit Koh Samui recently, the start, when electricity came back on again and the likely cause.

The last word surely hasn't been said about this though but for me it's time to move on and check the daily weather again.

Samui is going to be warm again with a blue sky, current temp at 7am is 24.8C

Right now I'm in Kathu, Phuket, where I participated in the 16th Minimarathon in Kathu, just like last year. I just got back to the hotel, am writing this, will take a shower and it's off to Khao Lak again to continue the current PADI IDC there.

In Phuket it's slightly cloudy but dry and it looks like the sun will break through soon. Current temp at 7am is 26.5C

Start and finish line at the 16th Minimarathon in Kathu, Phuket

Yesterday was warm and nice on Samui, nothing like an average monsoon day. Max temp reached 29.8C

The forecast predicts sunny days for the next 7 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

Electricity on Koh Samui; power cuts and black outs, the real deal

Electricity on Koh Samui; power cuts and black outs, the real deal

Here it is, all you ever wanted to know about; Electricity on Koh Samui; power cuts and black outs, the real deal. After a lot of speculation and stories about a break or a 'short' in the main underwater cable between the mainland (either coming from Donsak or Nakhon Si Thammarat, where Samui is serviced from), it seems to be a lot closer to home than most of us may have thought.

Electricity on Koh Samui; power cuts and black outs, the real deal; The culprit, I specifically like the sandals in this heavy duty work environment, but let's not get side tracked

It turns out that outage occurred between a power station in Baan Taling Ngam and the ocean, so it actually occurred on Samui ground. The location is near the big Elephant gates near Wat Kiri Wongkaram.

Electricity on Koh Samui; power cuts and black outs, the real deal; The underground cables

This information I puzzled together from following internet forums and following provided links, which led me to a Facebook account of somebody who seems to be involved in the repair works and who has these pictures online.

Electricity on Koh Samui; power cuts and black outs, the real deal; The problem cable

These pictures should give a different view on many stories and they show that the problem occurred on land.

Electricity on Koh Samui; power cuts and black outs, the real deal; Dug up cables near Baan Taling Ngaam

Electricity on Koh Samui; power cuts and black outs, the real deal; Electricity cables broken on Koh Samui; look, here!

Electricity on Koh Samui; power cuts and black outs, the real deal; Work at night

It's a good thing that power is back on again but word on the street is that the backup power generators that were brought onto Koh Samui by the government will be on the island during the Christmas period and into the high season as more high power demand is expected and the main electric line may not have enough electric power to support the island during Christmas and into January. In case of more power disruptions and in the worst case, another or more blackouts, there's back up from the 16 generators.

Please 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. If you're done resting or need something else to do, there's plenty of things on offer on and around Koh Samui, you can go snorkeling or diving or take a dive course. You can also enjoy some of the trips I recommend, like a half day gourmet lunch and snorkeling trip at the Southern part of Koh Samui or a photography trip where you get to see the most photo genetic spots on the island or go for a drinks tasting tour if you like a tipple or two.

Contact me for more detailed information on any of the options mentioned.

If you like to donate to this blog, use this secure link PayPal.Me/CamilleLemmens.

Camille

Updated 13th June, 2017