Friday 31 July 2020

Goodbye to July 2020

Goodbye to July 2020

Here we are at the end of this month and it's a Goodbye to July 2020. It's partially cloudy and 31C at 10.30am.
First off all, this July was rather nice. Slightly above an average July on Koh Samui I would say. Secondly, we also had plenty of hot and humid days. Partially clouded or blue skies during many days. Thirdly, we also had our share of showers. However, not as much as a typical July can have around our archipelago. In conclusion, a nice July we had.

We had two very long weekends this month. Firstly at the start of the month. Secondly at the end of the month. Both weekends saw an influx in local tourism. The hotels that are actually open, seem to have done good business over these two weekends. It's not replacing the typical July or August busy period. However, given the circumstances, it's a start. For most shops, bars, restaurants, hotels and the like, 2020 is most likely a write off. Let's hope that around December the borders will open up again. This will hopefully allow for a recovery of the local and Thai economy. 

Goodbye to July 2020

Goodbye to July 2020

Many times I already mentioned on this blog, that plenty of shops, bars, restaurants and the like had to close down. Due to Covid19 and the lack of tourists. Now we can also see the 'unthinkable' happen. Some of the 7-11 franchisees are starting to close down. This 7-11 is located in northern Chaweng. There are a few hotels nearby. However, there's also a Family Mart and a Mini Big C next to it. With the lack of tourists, this particular outlet is not able to survive and closed it's doors. Permanently it seems.

Covid19 still has a grip on the island though. The best we can do is to look forward for better times at the horizon.

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

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

Sunday 26 July 2020

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 20th July – 26th July 2020

 Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 20th July – 26th July 2020

Sunday morning and here we are with one more Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 20th July – 26th July 2020.
The long slow distance Sunday morning run is in the bag. I'm at the end of 3 weeks being back into running again. A 16km run was on the menu this morning. Nice and sweet.
At 10.20am it's partially cloudy and 31C. A nice and fairly hot day is in the making. Time to hit the beach later this afternoon. How about Choengmon beach? Our favorite beach in our neck of the woods. First however, we need to wait a bit for the sun to cool down a bit.

Last week the maximum temperatures hit 34C just one time. 2 days ago to be exactly. The rest of the week it was either 32C or 33C. On the other hand, the minimum temperature didn't drop below 24C.
A few days we saw some rain, especially in the beginning of the week. However, many times I saw dark clouds over the inland. There surely was some more rain around the island. Not in the Plai Laem area though.
With plenty of sunshine, it was a nice July week. Fairly average I would say for a July week on Koh Samui.

Covid is still wreaking havoc on the island though. Although there may be a slight increase in domestic tourism over this long weekend, during the week it's crazy quiet around the island. More and more shops are up for rent. Plenty of people are still moving back to their homes on the mainland. There's also no immediate sight when borders will open again. The emergency decree has been extended for another month.
On the other hand, students are staging demonstrations at the moment. Not only in Bangkok but in various other cities as well. Worthwhile to keep an eye out on to see where this leads to.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 20th July – 26th July 2020

 Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 20th July – 26th July 2020

Low tide in Nathon. In the background a Seatran ferry is passing by on it's way to Don Sak. To the right Nathon pier can be seen.

For next week, the forecast predicts a bit more rain during the coming week. Tuesday morning and Friday may see an increase in wind as well. Is the summer rainy season about to start?

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

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

Sunday 19 July 2020

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 13th July – 19th July 2020

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 13th July – 19th July 2020

Here we are, another Sunday morning and the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 13th July – 19th July 2020.
It's been my second week of full running again. This week I increased my weekly mileage from 44km to 55km. This morning I ran a 14km route. Slowly I'm getting back on track and it feels good.

It's just before 10am and it's already 33C. Just like yesterday it's already very hot this early in the morning. 

Last week saw a few showers but towards the end of the week the temperature rose and it was very hot.
The maximum temperature last week reached all week long 33C. That is except for Friday when it reached 35C. The minimum was all week long 24C. With another exception, Monday and Friday night it dropped to 22C,
Another nice week and not so typical for the current mild rainy season. Actually better than average i would say.

The effects of Covid are still being felt around the island. Although we now are 99 days Covid free in a row, there's still no tourists around. People are still leaving the island to live on the mainland, where it's cheaper for them. More shops are still closing down. On the other hand, hotels start to slowly open up again. Domestic tourism is heavily promoted. Thailand's most famous blogger, Richard Barrow, is currently visiting Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 13th July – 19th July 2020

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 13th July – 19th July 2020

Behind the Plai Laem market, late in the afternoon. The sun is already going down and it is hot. This was yesterday. A beautiful sunset is in the making,

For the up and coming week, the forecast looks really good. A few mild early morning showers and hardly any wind. This should make for some great sunny and hot days. Wish you were here and you wish you were here! Looking forward to a time when it's safe to ease the travel restrictions. For the time being, hardship is on the menu with no income for many people with stakes in the tourist industry. 

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

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

Sunday 12 July 2020

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 6th July – 12th July 2020

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 6th July – 12th July 2020

Sunday morning and here we are with the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 6th July – 12th July 2020.
Have done my first longish run again, after a bit more than a month having struggled with an injury. Today's 11km felt good. Especially after a full week of running.

It's 30C and slightly overcast this morning at 11am. Occasionally the sun peaks out. Nice and cool-ish.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 6th July – 12th July 2020

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 6th July – 12th July 2020

Last week school started for all of our children again, This is the school for our youngest. It's her first year in the 'big' school. Very conscientious social distancing rules are in place. Firstly, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer. Secondly, get your temperature checked. Thirdly, get a sticker, stating you've done the two previous steps. Last but not least, chairs are set up with 1.5 meters distance to each side. School classes are halved, one week school, one week off. Face masks are mandatory. 

Last week saw a a fairly typical week for a July around Koh Samui. Firstly, only a little bit of rain. Secondly, plenty of partially clouded skies. Last but not least, some hot afternoons as well, with the sun breaking through. The maximum temperature last week did hit 35C in the beginning of this week. The rest of the week saw temperatures reaching 32C and 33C on a regular base. The minimum temperature dropped on a regular base to 23C. Mostly it was 24 or 25C.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 6th July – 12th July 2020

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 6th July – 12th July 2020

Last week diving at Sail Rock. On the way in a speedboat. Koh Phangan's coast line is in the back ground.

For the forecast of this week, expect some tropical showers. Starting today. The wind might pick up this afternoon but drop again for the rest of the week. Another typical July week seems to be in the making.

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

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

Sunday 5 July 2020

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 29th June – 5th July 2020

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 29th June – 5th July 2020

July 2020 first Sunday and we're back with the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 29th June – 5th July 2020.
This morning it was nice and sunny. Now, around 9.30am it's mostly cloudy and a bit of rain is in the air. I am not surprised if we see a tropical shower this morning. Current temperature is 31C. in an hour we set off for some fun diving at Sail Rock. All the three PADI IDC candidates from the June PADI IDC here on Koh Samui, passed their PADI IE exams. We do have three new PADI instructors on the island.

Last week we had typical weather for this time of the year. A bit of sunshine. A bit of rain. A bit of partially clouded skies. The maximum temperature reached 34C during one day last week. The minimum was surprisingly for half an hour 21C last week. Once more time it dropped to 22C and the rest was 23C or warmer during the night time.

©Camille Lemmens2020

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 29th June – 5th July 2020

Tambun or merit making on top of Big Buddha. Thai people love making merit. Many temples in Thailand are visited to do exactly this. A lot of times money donations are also made.

We have a very long weekend. Monday and Tuesday are days off and all government offices and banks and the like are closed. Thai New Year or Songkran is also celebrated on 7th July, however without a water festival. All due to the Covid19 pandemic.

For next week, the forecast is looking very good. Some rain is predicted for Tuesday and Saturday. The rest of the week may see an occasional tropical shower but also plenty of sunshine.

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

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

Wednesday 1 July 2020

Welcome to July 2020

Welcome to July 2020

Here we are, 1st July and it's a warm welcome to July 2020. It's partially cloudy and the sun is playing around. It's warming up at 9.30am with a 31C temperature.

Typically July brings plenty of hard wind. Moreover, this is accompanied by plenty of rainy days. Tropical shower galore! During a Koh Samui July, half or slightly more days during this month may have these tropical showers. Next week looks very dry though.Later in the month it may catch up with us.

Due to Covid19, there will be extra Songkran holidays in July. However, most importantly, Songkran is not to be celebrated! That's a very unique situation in Thailand. Firstly, Songkran was postponed from April to July. Secondly, now it's completely forbidden to celebrate That new year, this year!

Welcome to July 2020

Welcome to July 2020

A new building is being completed at Wat Bophud. It's a school building. However, I'm not quote sure what kind of school. Possibly a school for monks. It's a big building though. It's located near the entrance.

Looking forward seeing you out here again. Just nit sure right now when that will be. As things look like right now, international arrivals are probably not likely until September or October. Hang in there, we wish you were here!

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

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