Goodbye to October 2017

Goodbye to October 2017

It's the 31st of October in the year 2017, late evening, just two more hours to go in this month and it's time to say Goodbye to October 2017.

It's late and dark around 10pm around Koh Samui and the current temp is 27.5C

Today was a busy day with an early rise since I was visiting the Similan islands for some deep diving PADI Instructor courses with one of my candidates of the current PADI IDC here in Khao Lak. Up early and back to my room late with lots of work waiting for me so the blog update got pushed back a bit.

Goodbye to October 2017; Sunrise at Big Buddha, earlier this month

Nonetheless, here we are, with an update on the weather for this version of October 2017.

In my opinion it was an average October. Plenty of sunny moments, especially during the mornings, but also plenty of partially to cloudy skies and a fair amount of tropical showers with some thunderstorms thrown in for good measure. A fair mix of different weather conditions for a tropical island like Koh Samui.

What else to expect in October, pretty much weather like I just described.

The monsoon is lurking in the shadows though and the beginning of next month may be very wet!

Goodbye to October 2017; Khao Lak main street, early morning, hardly any traffic at all before 7am

Looking forward to what November will bring next month. Stay tuned to this blog channel for steady updates.

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

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 23rd October – 29th October, 2017

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 23^rd October – 29^th October, 2017 

Yesterday was Sunday and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 23rd October – 29th October, 2017. Today is already Monday, late in the evening and finally I found time to update the blog with last weeks weather report!

At almost 10pm it's dark now and 27.5C and today saw plenty of sunshine in a partially cloudy sky.

In Khao Lak we saw most days a nice sunny morning with clouds moving in during the daytime and often short rain showers during the late afternoon. Current temp at 10pm here is 25C

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 23rd October – 29th October, 2017; Inside Wat Plai Laem last week, during the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej's cremation ceremony. Paying respect by the local Samui people and residents. It was very busy and waiting time for up to eight hours was no exception.

Last week was fairly good for this time of the year, with three days being partially cloudy but with sunshine and four days with tropical showers. Maximum temperatures ranged between 32 and 33C, so very steady, despite some showers.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 23rd October – 29th October, 2017; In Thap Lamu, near Khao Lak, one of the Royal Thai Navy ships of the navy bass in Thap Lamu, went out to the ocean the day after the latte King's cremation to offer the burned sandalwood, offered by the local people, into the ocean. All around the country you had the opportunity to offer sandalwood in honor to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. 19 million people apparently did! The sandal wood was burned and all around the country this sandal wood was then a day later offered to a body of water. Near Khao Lak that was the ocean. We saw the ship just come back into port after it had completed this honorable task. With the current PADI IDC in Khao Lak we had our day of open water training dives on the same day.

The forecast for next week was very interesting. At some stage, Saturday 28th October, it looked like a massive storm would hit Koh Samui on the Thursday 2nd November. That same day, the forecasts showed that the storm would pass north of Samui. Only to drop down again a day later when Samui was threatened again. Today it looks like the power behind the storm has fizzled out and we will be spared from seriously heavy storms with accompanying rain and wind, which would have caused floods, power cuts and the likes!

The forecast are still predicting lots of rain from Wednesday through Friday and a flood or two may or will occur but it's not nearly as bad as it was originally predicted.

The monsoon is knocking at the door though and it looks like the start of November will be very wet!

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

Typhoon heading towards Koh Samui on 2nd November

Typhoon heading towards Koh Samui on 2nd November

There is a Typhoon heading towards Koh Samui on 2nd November. All weather forecast programs predict a typhoon strong storm to hit the Gulf of Thailand over the next couple of days, on it's way to Chumpon.

On the night of Wednesday to Thursday, the typhoon is supposed to hit Koh Samui, providing all forecasts are correct. It's another four days to go but it's better to be safe than sorry. We can only hope that this typhoon is not going to be as bad as it is predicted.

There's a graphic link to be found here, have a look and keep following that link over the next couple of days to see how things progress.

Typhoon heading towards Koh Samui on 2nd November

The current airflow down from the north west may get funneled and amplified into the Gulf of Thailand and might get mixed up with the yearly north-east monsoon, the monsoon that's about to start any moment.

Wind predictions of 90 miles per hour wind are currently predicted with over 300mm of rain in a day.

That's more than the 110mm we had last year with the known results of serious flooding. 

Current predictions have the typhoon hit Koh Samui during the night of Wednesday 1st November to Thursday 2nd November at 1am.

The fact that there will be real high tide twice a day, on 2nd November at 0833 and 2056 with 3.62m and 3.91m will make it even more difficult for water to flow away.

This is something to keep an eye out on and slowly start to take precautions.

This reminds of 1989 and Typhoon Gay, also known as the Kavali Cyclone of 1989, which was a small but powerful tropical cyclone that caused more than 800 fatalities in and around the Gulf of Thailand in November 1989. To date the worst typhoon to affect the Malay Peninsula in 35 years, Gay originated from a monsoon trough over the Gulf of Thailand in early-November. Owing to favorable atmospheric conditions, the storm rapidly intensified, attaining winds of more than 120 km/h (75 mph) by 3 November.

Please do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page 

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

Camille

Cremation ceremony of H.M. the late King Bhumibol Adulyedej on Koh Samui

Cremation ceremony of H.M. the late King Bhumibol Adulyedej on Koh Samui

Yesterday the Cremation ceremony of H.M. the late King Bhumibol Adulyedej on Koh Samui was held at Wat Plai Laem.

Cremation ceremony of H.M. the late King Bhumibol Adulyedej on Koh Samui; Mourning yesterday. Picture by Nattawut Khuanprasert

People from all over the island came up to Wat Plai Laem throughout the day to pay their respects. Many mini buses and taxi's offered their services for free to bring mourners to or from the temple.

Cremation ceremony of H.M. the late King Bhumibol Adulyedej on Koh Samui; Wat Plai Laem before it became busy

At many places around the island and near the temple, small shops and fruit sellers offered water and food for free to mourners.

Cremation ceremony of H.M. the late King Bhumibol Adulyedej on Koh Samui; It was very busy yesterday and waiting times for paying respect were up to eight hours. Picture by Nattawut Khuanprasert

Mywife and our kids went to the temple during the morning hours but still had to wait for eight hours before they could eventually pay their respects, All parking psaces around the temple filled up quickly!

Cremation ceremony of H.M. the late King Bhumibol Adulyedej on Koh Samui; Long lines fo waiting people were all around the temple, all day long. Picture by Suchat Prammano

In Bangkok the main ceremony was televised live all day long. An impressive ceremony could be followed on TV or Youtube. 

The ending was somehow confusing though when the anticpated actual cremation at 10pm wasn't televised. It turned out that the late King didn't want the actual cremation to be televised and to be a private event.

At last, around 11.30pm, smoke could be seen emerging from the ceremonial gound in Sanam Luang.

This morning, 27th October, right now, the ceremony for the Royal Relics of H.M. the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej is being held, during which the ashes will be collected and be brought over to the Grand Place.

Cremation ceremony of H.M. the late King Bhumibol Adulyedej on Koh Samui; Water and food were being provided all day long to mourners. Picture by Tassanee Lemmens

Now within a few days, all signs of mourning will need to be taken down arouind Thailand and Koh Samui and the country will move on into a new area.

Cremation ceremony of H.M. the late King Bhumibol Adulyedej on Koh Samui; Obtained a seat!

It was an impressive event and a 'once in a life time' event as well. Many Thai people only knew one King and he was revered all through the country.

Cremation ceremony of H.M. the late King Bhumibol Adulyedej on Koh Samui; Long rows of people all day long. Picture by Nattawut Khuanprasert

Hope you had a cance to follow the events yesterday, in person or on tv or Youtube. Now it's time to move and look forward. A year of mourning has come almost to an end.

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

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 16th October – 22nd October, 2017

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 16^th October – 22^nd October, 2017 

At last here's the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 16th October – 22nd October, 2017. It has been a long and busy day for me today, hence my update is only being written right now, almost at the end of the day, just after 10pm.

It's already dark over Koh Samui but it was a nice day, dry and partially cloudy with sunshine and a max temp of around 32C. Current temp at 10pm is 27.3C

We're nearing the end of October but the weather is still holding out fairly nicely.

Since four days I find myself back in Khao Lak, where I am conducting a PADI IDC in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Sea Dragon'.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 16th October – 22nd October, 2017; Big Buddha early in the morning, earlier this month

Last week saw a few showers in the beginning of the week, including a very heavy thunderstorm, but all the showers were during the evening or night. Some of the days started out with beautiful blue skies to end with overcast. Later on in the week the rain vanished and we mostly had overcast days with temperatures ranging during last week between 30C and 35C

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 16th October – 22nd October, 2017; Big and small hen statues in front of a shrine at the hill just before you get into Khao Lak

The forecast for next week is a fair bit of breeze tomorrow and a small possibility of a tropical shower each day. Once we hit next week Friday and the weekend, we may see some more rain coming our way. Still, pretty good for an October!

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

Koh Samui will be respecting the Royal Cremation Ceremony of His Majesty the Late King Bhumibol Adulyedej

Koh Samui will be respecting the Royal Cremation Ceremony of His Majesty the Late King  Bhumibol Adulyedej

On 26th October around the country and including Koh Samui will be respecting the Royal Cremation Ceremony of His Majesty the Late King  Bhumibol Adulyedej.

The accompanying ceremony on Koh Samui will beheld at Wat Plai Laem on 26th October and will start at 9am. If you like to attend, please do check the dress explained below. 

This dress code was released by the Bureau of the Royal Household for people participating in the Royal Cremation ceremony on 26th October 2017. The dress code is also applicable to people who are going to place funeral wood flowers at royal crematorium replicas, and at other locations where they will be able to offer the wood flowers in Bangkok and other provinces.

This will include Wat Plai Laem or any other official location around Koh Samui in case you plan to pay your respect.

Koh Samui will be respecting the Royal Cremation Ceremony of His Majesty the Late King  Bhumibol Adulyedej; A big sign at the entrance gate of Wat PLai Laem has been erected, informing about the time of ceremony on Koh Samui. 26th October 2017 at 9am 

At this moment it looks like the whole nation will come to a grinding halt on 26th October, please act accordingly and show respect to the Thai people. This is a one in a lifetime event, not only for the Thai nation and it's people, but also for anybody visiting or living in Thailand at that moment. Act accordingly.

During the whole month of October, many Thai people will be wearing black or dark colored clothes as a tribute and to show respect for the Late King Bhumibol Adulyedej. 

On most days tourists are not expected to wear dark clothes but on the 26th October it is advisable to wear black or dark clothes and nothing too vibrant.

Most tourist attractions will be closed and the days surrounding the 26th October, most entertainment venues will have toned and tuned down their activities.

Koh Samui will be respecting the Royal Cremation Ceremony of His Majesty the Late King  Bhumibol Adulyedej; The expected dress code if you plan to attend a ceremony; Men must wear a black shirt, long black pants and black dress shoes. Denim pants will not be allowed. Women must wear a black blouse that is not tight, a black skirt that extends below the knees and black dress shoes. Wearing a sleeveless blouse or a spaghetti top or similar will not be allowed.

At this moment, on the evening of 29th October, all signs of mourning, including black & white cloth banners and black and white portraits of King Buhimbol should be removed. On 30th October, government officials and members of the public can wear normal attire again.

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

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 9th October – 15th October, 2017

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 9^th October – 15^th October, 2017 

It's Sunday morning, 9.30am, the long Sunday morning run is done and it's time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 9th October – 15th October, 2017.

It's cloudy over Koh Samui and occasionally a drizzle can be observed. Current temp at 9.30am is a nice and fairly cool 27.7C

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 9th October – 15th October, 2017; Every day this week and last week there are ceremonies in different temples around the island, following up on the recent Ok Pansa celebration. Money is donated to the temples as part of making merit or 'tambhun' as they say in Thai.Here you can see a money tree or umbrella at Wat Na Phra Lan in Maenam, near the Lomprayah ferry. Today's ceremony is at the Laem Sor Pagoda. Each temple will also have a car or 'float' that will travel around the neighborhood, collecting donations. All these cars or 'floats' will gather in nathon later this week. Well worth a visit to Nathon and check it out, especially during the early evening.

Last week was a fairly good week for October, with a couple of days with sunshine, especially during the morning but there were also a couple of days with tropical showers. Maximum temperatures ranged between 30C and 33C

The forecast for next week predicts slightly cooler weather with a bit more rain in the form of tropical showers and a couple of thunderstorms. The sun might be out and about come mid next week. 

Another typical October week in the making, enjoyable, with sunshine here and there although not too warm and most likely a few showers as well. 

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

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2nd October – 8th October, 2017

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2^nd October – 8^th October, 2017 

It's Sunday morning, the clock just passed 10am, my Sunday morning long run is done ( half marathon distance) and it's time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2nd October – 8th October, 2017.

This morning it's very cloudy with a fairly strong wind blowing in and it looks like there may be some rain later today. It doesn't look like the sun is going to be out to play today! Current temp at 10.20am is 27.2C 

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2nd October – 8th October, 2017; The wheel of life at Wat Maenam or Wat Phu Khao Thong. We visited this temple last week during the funeral of a neighbor

Last week many days with some tropical thunder storms with short but heavy rain. The sun was out and about a few times last week and once the sun made an appearance, it quickly became very hot with a high humidity, so it was very 'sticky hot'. Max temperature reached 29C although a lot of times it felt much warmer.

For the next seven days, it looks same same but different. The difference being that I expect even some more rain of the tropical shower kind, culminating in a weekend with possibly some very strong wind.

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

Welcome to October 2017

Welcome to October 2017

Already the second day into this new month and a good moment to say 'Welcome to October 2017'. 

What this month mostly will be about all around Thailand will be the final goodbye or funeral and cremation of King Bhumibol, scheduled to be on 26th October in Bangkok.

After one year of mourning the cremation will be the end of an era. Keep your eyes and ears open during this month for changes and even cancellations of planned events all around the country. I will keep my Facebook page updated on this topic.

Welcome to October 2017; King Bhumibol Adulyadej

On to the weather during October on Koh Samui though. October can be a tricky month, the last month before we typically have the monsoon or rainy season around Koh Samui. Most years the start of the month is fairly nice, just like this year looks like.

However, during the second part of the month and especially towards the end of the month, the rainy season may start and leave this month drenched in rain and possibly worse, floods! Two years ago was not a good month with lots of rain and last year the last October week was not good, with lots of rain.

For the time being, the beginning of October does look good but be prepared for possibly more rain towards the end of the month.

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

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 25th September – 1st October, 2017

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 25^th September – 1^st October, 2017 

It's Sunday afternoon again and that means that it's time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 25th September – 1st October, 2017.

It's nice and sunny right now, at almost 1pm under a hazy, slightly clouded sky with a current temperature of 29.7C. Yes, it's hot, humid and 'sticky' hot this afternoon but here was some rain last night.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 25th September – 1st October, 2017; A view on Chaweng Beach at Ozo Hotel. I was there earlier this week to check out their box jelly fish net, which is put in place right in front of the resort. A picture of this net can be seen here.

Last week saw two dry days and all other days saw some tropical showers, meaning; short but powerful showers. Just like today, most afternoon were warm though, this humid and 'sticky' warmth. Max temperatures ranged between 30C and 33C, so fairly steady.

For the next seven days, it should stay very similar with a higher chance of rain from Monday through Wednesday. Fairly typical early October weather I would say.

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