Goodbye to May 2020

Hello hello, it's time to say goodbye to May 2020. It's the last day of this month and we have a look back.

For the weather, it was a good, average May month. We started out with lots of sunshine. Towards the middle of the month, we had a few showers, nothing too serious. Typical for May, tropical showers. Most of them short and hard.Beware of the flash flooding though! No storms this month, so all good. A typical May, Hot, humid and towards the end of the month some showers.

The big difference of course, is the lack of tourists. Covid 19 took care of that. Things are changing though in Thailand. Tomorrow, 1st June, the third step of lifting lock down measures is in place. Come 1st July, there's talk of a complete lifting of all measures. This will include the emergency decree and international flight arrivals. Let's cross our fingers and hope the tourist economy can start up again. Without another outbreak of the virus!

Goodbye to May 2020

Chaweng lake this month. Mid May group gatherings for running sports were lifted. Immediately the area around Chaweng lake was busy every day. During the morning and afternoons hundreds of people come here to jog, run, play badminton etc. The ring around the lake is now completed and is a good 5km. A lovely place to work on your aerobic endurance.

Due to Covid19, not many events were held on Koh Samui. In fact, none at all! For next month, things aren't looking that much better or rather, different. Let's hope that after July everything changes and we can move forward. Let's see what the new normal for Koh Samui and Thailand will mean.

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. That is, once the travel restrictions have been lifted.

As already mentioned in my Facebook page, there are many initiatives around the island for helping Thai and Burmese people with food and other donations.
There are however also plenty of foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, much appreciated! There's a donation button on top of this page.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 25th May – 31st May 2020

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 25^th May – 31^st May 2020

Last Sunday of this month and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 25th May – 31st May 2020.

No long run today/ I'm curing a inner thigh injury. Later this week I hope to be out on the road again. In the meantime I'm doing some weights and indoor cycling training.

Today it's partially cloudy during the morning. Sometimes some sunshine, sometimes clouds. It's humid and hot though! Current temperature at 14.00am is 32C and it's cloudy. Rain is in the air.

Last week the maximum temperature reached a stunning 35C. This in combination with the humidity makes for hot and very sweaty days! The minimum actually dropped for the duration of half an hour, just that once, to 23C. It was mostly 25-26C with a handful times 24C.

We had a few showers during the week as well. Much needed and enjoyed!

Tomorrow, 1st Jun, a new round of lock down easing is going to happen. Pattaya beaches are to open again. On Koh Samui, the beaches never were really closed down, as far as I know. Bangkok Air increases to 4 daily flights to/from Bangkok. Massage places are allowed to open again. Movie theaters with restriction (no pop corn!!) are also opening up.
There's talk of opening completely up on 1st July. With international flight arrivals being allowed again and lifting of all restrictions. Including the emergency decree. Let's cross our fingers.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 25th May – 31st May 2020

Beautiful view over Wat PLai Laem, the Gulf and Koh Phangan. High up on the hill on Plai Laem's Soi 8. 

Next week's predictions are similar to last week. Partially cloudy skies with occasionally some tropical showers thrown in for good measure.

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. That is, once the travel restrictions have been lifted.

As already mentioned in my Facebook page, there are many initiatives around the island for helping Thai and Burmese people with food and other donations.
There are however also plenty of foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, much appreciated! There's a donation button on top of this page.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 18th May – 24th May 2020

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 18^th May – 24^th May 2020

Another Sunday morning and it's here again, the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 18th May – 24th May 2020. Covid19 is still around. Not as much physically, since Surat Thani province and Koh Samui are since 43 days Covid virus free areas. However, it's still affecting us on Koh Samui and all around Thailand.

The government has extended the emergency decree until 30th June. This didn't go down very well with the majority of the Thai population, if I believe the Thai media. The powers that be seem to be over cautious. That's probably the most politically correct I can put it.

At almost 10am it's already 33C and it feels much hotter. The humidity is very high. It drains all power and effort out of you!

The long slow distance Sunday morning run is out of the way. A nice 23km run which I started at 4.50am. A total of 84km this week. Keeping the aerobic base going. Next week the plan is to pop over 90Km and the week after, take it easy with around 75km. Let me tell you that I do miss the racing events! Well, sports in general. Cycling, football, you name it. Checking the German Bundesliga results is almost a kick nowadays!

Last week maximum temperature reached 35C on Monday and yesterday, Saturday. The minimum temperature hit 24C on Wednesday, due to the rainy circumstances. Tuesday and Wednesday were lovely. Rain showers on Tuesday between noon and 3pm. Wednesday saw a rain showers on and off all day long. We even had hot, humid sunny moments. All that fun was over again by Thursday and the temperatures went up again.

Samui airport is open again. 2 flights per day at two thirds capacity. All booked out until the end of the month! As of June 1st, 2 additional flights per day will be added.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 18^th May – 24^th May 2020

A food hand out on Koh Samui. During the current Covid19 situation, a common sight. This morning, during my long slow distance run, I saw a long queue lining up at the PTT gas station opposite the Wharf. This was as early as 6.50am. Hundreds of people were lining up. This can be seen all around the island, but also all around Thailand. Especially at tourist destinations.

The forecast for next week predicts partially cloudy skies. There may be a few tropical showers all along next week. Can't wait for the swing by! Although, humidity will go through the roof after the showers. Well, living in a tropical climate, you can't have it all!

Hope international flights will be allowed after 30th June. Time to re-start that economy 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. That is, once the travel restrictions have been lifted.

As already mentioned in my Facebook page, there are many initiatives around the island for helping Thai and Burmese people with food and other donations.
There are however also plenty of foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, much appreciated! There's a donation button on top of this page.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 11^th May – 17^th May 2020

Here we are back with the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 11th May – 17th May 2020. It's Sunday morning. The long slow distance run is done and dusted.

This morning has a thinly clouded sky. Plenty of overcast but it doesn't look like rain. The current temperature at 9.30am is 32C but it feels a lot warmer. Humidity is high!

Two days ago Bangkok Airways started with two flights per day on the Koh Samui-Bangkok route. Today shopping malls are about to open again. Slowly, step by step, lock down restrictions are being eased. However, on the other hand, international flight arrivals have been extended until 30th June.

More and more people are having financial problems. Still no tourists, so no jobs for about 10 million or more people depending on the tourism industry. Many Thai and foreign, low paid workers, are depending on food hand outs. Especially in tourism related parts of Thailand. It's hard times at the moment. Feel free to donate directly to me as well. Every little bit helps. 

On a different note. tomorrow the schools start again. Physically going to school, not until 1st July, so now the schools start with online tuition.

Last week it was hot. The high humidity didn't help. It made it worse! Maximum temperatures on the quicksilver reached 34C twice. Mostly it maxed out at 33C. On the other hand, the minimum temperature dropped down to 24C late in the week. 

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 11^th May – 17^th May 2020

More physical distancing measures are in place at Makro in Chaweng. Realistically, it seems nobody really bothers. At least not too much or too strict.

The prediction for next week is looking good. More clouds are predicted and hopefully a few showers. It will be good and nice to get some cooler air in. Towards next weekend the wind is supposed to pick up  little bit.

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. That is, once the travel restrictions have been lifted.

As already mentioned in my Facebook page, there are many initiatives around the island for helping Thai and Burmese people with food and other donations.
There are however also plenty of foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, much appreciated! There's a donation button on top of this page.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 4th May – 10th May 2020

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 4^th May – 10^th May 2020

Welcome to this Sunday morning and the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 4th May – 10th May 2020.

The Sunday morning lsd, long slow distance run, is in the can, with a 25km tag on it. 

It's partially clouded to clouded this morning and already 32C at 10.20am. It feels a lot warmer. The heat is currently beating you down, due to the high humidity. Around and after noon it's hot! Very hot! 

Last week saw some very hot days indeed. Lots of blue and partially clouded skies, with virtually no rain. Maximum temperature went up to a whooping 35C. The feel factor is well in the 4-tees! The minimum temperature dropped to 24C, but mostly around 25 to 26C at night. Not exactly what I call cool!

On the Covid19 front, some good news. Official provincial sources have now for 30 days in a row no new Covid cases in Surat Thani province. Consequently that counts as well for Koh Samui, since we're part of Surat Thani province. After 28 days, a province receive the 'green zone' status. Which is very good.

Slowly Thailand is opening up again. As of 15th May, Bangkok air will have two scheduled flights per week to Samui. Restaurants are allowed to host guests or patrons again, with physical distancing guidelines in place. Step. by step this is happening. If no new cases detected,, 17th May, next Sunday may see more restrictions being lifted.
International travel is still not an option until the end of the month. No inbound flights are allowed. Domestic flights have started again. 

The alcohol ban has also been lifted. This made for some interesting observations last Sunday at Makro!

Interestingly enough, more and more evidence is popping up that Covid was already making it's rounds in Thailand and neighboring countries like Indonesia since December 2019 and January 2020. More and more people report of having had high fevers, dry cough and/or respiratory problems during that time frame. Some who had this 'fever' or 'flu' whilst in Thailand during that time frame, have been retrospectively been confirmed as Covid cases, a few months after the event. A Dutch friend had this happen to him. He was tested and checked in the Netherlands a month or 2 ago. Some people report friends having passed away due to respiratory virus or issues. The doctors had no clue what it could be, at that moment. Dengue fever tests came back negative.

I wonder what the doctors who have been dealing with these cases are thinking right now?

Considering this to be true, that the virus went around in December and January, we did very well. Without a lock down. Food for thought!

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 4th May – 10th May 2020

This is what the current 'new normal' looks like. Physical distancing. All big shops on Koh Samui, like Makro (pictured here), Tesco Lotus and Big C all have dividers on the floors. In real life, not much attention is paid to the physical distancing.

Back to the weather, the forecast for next week predicts partially cloudy skies. Hopefully we get a few scattered showers as well. The temperature is allowed to drop a bit and the ground water levels can be upped a bit 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. That is, once the travel restrictions have been lifted.

As already mentioned in my Facebook page, there are many initiatives around the island for helping Thai and Burmese people with food and other donations.
There are however also plenty of foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, much appreciated! There's a donation button on top of this page.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 27th April – 3rd May 2020

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 27th April – 3rd May 2020

Good morning on this lovely Sunday and welcome to the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 27th April – 3rd May 2020.

Firstly a nice 23km lsd (long slow distance) Sunday morning run is in the can. Secondly, it's lovely out there. Partially cloudy and 31C at 9am. It's going to be a hot day again.

Last week saw a few rainy days early on in the week. The last 3 days however have been a lot nicer again. The sun came back out again and it was warm, or rather hot. The maximum temperature last week hit 32C. That happened only yesterday! The minimum temperature barely hit 24C a few times. We had some nice and cool days early on this week. Lovely!

The Covid19 situation seems to improve on Koh Samui and the province of Surat Thani. Since 22 days in a row there has been no new infection case. As of today, alcohol is on sale again. However, restaurants and hotels and such are not allowed to serve alcohol. Hotels are also allowed to open again, with a few restrictions. Slowly, step by step, the lock down is being lifted. Come 15th May, Bangkok Air will start with 2 daily flights between Bangkok and Koh Samui.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 27th April – 3rd May 2020

Flash floods last week. This near the airport, departure entrance

Next week, the weather forecast is looking good. Mostly partially cloudy. Which means partially sunny as well. Hot and no rain. Hang in there folks. I'm looking forward to the lifting of travel restrictions. Just hope that airfare ticket prices won't go through the roof, due to physical distancing. Planes may have to travel at two thirds capacity and somebody will have to pay for the loss of income.

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. That is, once the travel restrictions have been lifted.

As already mentioned in my Facebook page, there are many initiatives around the island for helping Thai and Burmese people with food and other donations.
There are however also plenty of foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, much appreciated! There's a donation button on top of this page.

Camille

Welcome to May 2020

Welcome to May 2020

Welcome to May 2020 indeed. Keep your distance and wash your hands regulary. It's Covid19 wasteland! This morning it's cloudy and wet over Koh Samui. We just had a strong shower. Very good for the ground water levels.

The weather in May is typically a nice mixed bag of sunshine and rain. Some years a bit more rain. Other years a bit more rain. Typically they are tropical showers. Fast and furious!

The Covid19 restrictions stay in place for Thailand during this May. However, there's a four step program to start opening shops, restaurants, parks, sporting options again. Just to name a few.

On the other hand, the alcohol ban remains in place for May, as will inter provincial travelling be discouraged. All other measures basically remain in place. Including the curfew between 10pm and 4am.

Welcome to May 2020

The departures entrance of Koh Samui airport. The gates are closed. The airport is closed down. Bangkok Air will start two flights per day between Bangkok and Koh Samui as of 15th May. Domestic air travel is slowly starting up again around Thailand. Currently only Nok Air is flying it's full regular schedule. 

Initially there was also talk that the 4 public holidays this month would be cancelled. This turned out to be incorrect. All four holidays remain in place. Today May day. 4th May Coronation day. 6th May Visakha Bucha day. 11th May Royal Ploughing Ceremony. That means official offices like immigration but also banks will be closed.

Hang in there folks. Be safe, keep your distance and keep washing your hands. And do donate! It is appreciated!

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. That is, once the travel restrictions have been lifted.

As already mentioned in my Facebook page, there are many initiatives around the island for helping Thai and Burmese people with food and other donations.
There are however also plenty of foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, much appreciated! There's a donation button on top of this page.

Camille