Goodbye to August 2020

It's the last day of the month and time to say goodbye to August 2020.

Let's start with the weather. It's been an average August. We have a small rainy season during August and this year didn't disappoint. Especially during the middle of the month we had a few wet days. Plenty of showers came along. On the other hand, we also had a few sunny days. Due to the high humidity, they could be hard to deal with. Towards the end of the month it has been sunnier and warmer again.

The month pass by without too many events, due to Covid. Not much to no travelling is happening. Hence, I was very happy to go over to Koh Phangang on Saturday, for a 'box jelly fish protection' presentation at Haad Salad's newly opened Buddha Cafe/lounge.

Also on Koh Phangan the economical damage that Covid is doing can be easily spotted. Firstly, just like on Koh Samui, many empty shops up for rent or sale. Secondly, reduced number to no tourists. Only or mainly long term expats are on the island, besides the local and 'imported' Thais. Most companies, shops, resorts etc are suffering and are having hard times to survive.

Sad to see and witness.

Goodbye to August 2020

An AED machine (Automated external defibrillator) standing outside the Bophud clinic. There was another unit hanging on the wall within 5-6 meters. It's not until fairly recently that the use of AED's by laymen is allowed by law in Thailand. Just 3 years ago or so. Nowadays you can see AED units hanging on walls or standing around in displays at various locations. The Bangkok Airways departure terminal has one for instance. If you're interested in learning more about CPR and AED units, I offer EFR (Emergency First Response) courses. Please get in touch and ask for more detailed information.

Am looking forward to September and let's cross our fingers that some positive events will come along and/or happen.

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.

There are plenty Thais and foreigners, Westerners or farangs who have a hard time dealing with no income and bills to pay. Unfortunately I'm no exception to this rule. If you like this blog, this is a good time to help out and make a donation. If you can, it's much appreciated! There's a donation button on top of this page or ask me for other options.

Camille

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

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

Goodbye to June 2020

Alas, it's the last day of this month and we say goodbye to June 2020. The last two weeks have been fairly typical for a Koh Samui June. Plenty of tropical showers. However, there are also sunny days with mostly partially cloudy skies. No surprise, after all, June is known for it's mild rainy season weather.

Covid19 still makes a big impression on the island. Firstly, many empty shops are up for rent. Secondly, lots of people went back to their homes. It's cheaper there, no rent to pay and possibly you can grow some vegetables and/or fruit. International travel is not in the immediate cards, so no tourists spending any money. Hotels are allowed to open. However, the question rises, for whom?
Domestic travel is the main focus at the moment. Most restrictions have been lifted. Nonetheless, the emergency decree is still in place. The government seems to fear the possibility of demonstrations. This is one way of prohibiting them.

Big events are also a 'no go'. No races to run for me. Travel is possible though, within the country. By car, plane or boat. All services and routes seem to be operating.

Goodbye to June 2020

Wat Bophud has these very colorful and nice statues. Go and have a look, when you face the big sitting monk on the boat, they're on the right hand side.

This week, the roads can get a bit busier. The Thai schools start again. Lots of children that will need to go to school. By motorbike or by car.

Yesterday I completed a PADI IDC. A rather unique set up for this one! First we completed presentations online. After that, we met on Koh Samui and I conducted the live part. This all in conjunction with PADI 5* IDC Center 'Sea Dragon' in Khao Lak! the 2nd and 3rd July will their PADI IE, the examination. Soon we should have 3 brand new instructors on the island!

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

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 31st March – 5th April 2020

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 31^st March – 5^th April 2020

Sunday afternoon and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 31st March – 5th April 2020.

Long slow distance Sunday morning run is in the can. Covid19 is out there, playing it's wicked tricks.

Besides that, it's already 35C at 1pm. It feels a lot warmer though. Or should I say hotter? It's your typical April weather, steaming hot.

The roads around the island are fairly quiet. At around 8pm, it actually becomes very quiet. There's a nation wide curfew in place from 10pm to 4am. It honestly beats me why this is in place. To prevent illegal drinking? It must be deserted one way or the other around the island during that time frame.

Having said that, all stores are still well stocked but also rather quiet. Next week Tuesday, Bangkok Air will close the airport until at least 20th April.On the other hand, the ferries are still going, although with a reduced schedule.

Currently Koh Samui is up to 6 infected persons. Expect more to come!

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 31^st March – 5^th April 2020

It's not only doom and darkness on Koh Samui during Covid19. Not at all. The sun is out a lot so far! It's hot! And, believe it or not, there's also a bi of construction going on around the island. Most noteworthy, in my humble opinion, is this exciting project. It's located near Bandon Hospital in Bophud. A rock climbing wall is being put in place on a fairly large piece of land. There's also what seems to some kind of bicycle track and a big hall kind of structure. It looks like many high activity sports are coming our way! It looks stunning and I can't wait to see what this will be all about.

Last week was hot, Very hot. Steaming hot! And we haven't even reached the hottest part yet! Anyway, lo and behold, we also had a few raindrops yesterday. It is a bit of a rainy season after all as well during April. Maximum temperatures last week reached up to 33C on the quicksilver. It felt a lot warmer that that though. The minimum temperature didn't drop below 24C last week.

For next week it looks like more of the same. You wish you were here! Instead of in a lock down or quarantine. Maybe a few drops towards the end of the week, no real rain though. Very warm and sunny it should be, according to the predictions. So far they have worked just fine.

Hang in there folks. Be safe, keep as much as you can inside. Keep your social distance. Wear a mask. See you next weekend again.

Do check in to the Facebook page. I post many updates during the week there.

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. 

Until Covid 19 is under control, there's not much happening on Koh Samui. However, don't cancel but postpone your planned holidays! Come and see us once we're back to a state of normal!.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 25th November – 1st December 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 25^th November – 1^st December 2019

It's another Sunday morning and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 25th November – 1st December 2019.

On Koh Samui we have a partially cloudy sky. At 8am the current temperature is 27C. Really enjoyable. Later today some rain may drift over the island though.

In the meantime, I'm still on Malapascua in the Philippines. A small island at the most northern tip of Cebu island. I completed my Sunday morning slow, long distance run. A nice and relaxing 2 hour run. It's 28C at 9am local time. Partially cloudy to cloudy and still nice. Over the next two days we're expecting a typhoon to hit the Philippines and we should be on the outskirts of this typhoon.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 25^th November – 1^st December 2019

Flash flood in Bophud, one of the well known hot spots on Samui. 

Last week was not so great on Koh Samui. At last the rainy season caught up with us and it rained almost every day. Still nothing like a more standard rainy season. However, not as nice as the previous November weeks. Maximum temperatures reached 32C and the lowest temperature dropped down to 22C. 

Still a fairly nice week, considering it's the last November week.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 25^th November – 1^st December 2019

This is how most roads on Malapascua look like. Especially near Thresher Cove Resort in the north eastern corner of the island, where I stay. Very idyllic.  Cars are not allowed on the island.

The forecast for the first December week.  The wind should pick up during the week. Regular light showers are expected throughout the week. Nothing too serious. Not like non stop rain, but a fairly wet week lies ahead of us. Still very good considering it's supposed to be the rainy season.

Enjoy your stay on Koh Samui or the surrounding islands!

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. 

Join me in a private dive trip with yours sincerely! 

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. 

You may also opt for a very special dinner experience at The Thai Experience. Behind closed doors, reservation only and a very enjoyable and well worthwhile way of spending an evening on Samui. Authentic Thai food and a great atmosphere. Can highly recommend this experience. 

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

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update;1st April 2019 – 7th April 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update;1^st April 2019 – 7^th April 2019

Sunday morning time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update;1st April 2019 – 7th April 2019. Plenty of running has been done over the weekend on Samui! First of all last night the 7th Samui Midnight run, which I won in my age group 50+. Secondly, this morning, a 10km trail in Soi 1 in Maenam. After being in second spot, I took a wrong turn at around 7km and run 700 meters too far. As a result I had to turn around and get back on route. Lost my second spot and ended fourth in my age group 50-59. Did I ever feel last night's run and lack of sleep. Just one hour and a half I got clocked on the sleep-o-meter.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update;1^st April 2019 – 7^th April 2019

Wat Bophud last month during the temple party. A very nice and colorful decorated alley made out of umbrellas.

 Nonetheless, it's a sunny day out here on Koh Samui. At almost 11am it's already 32C and the temperature is rising. In Maenam, the trail runners of the 30km race are about to get to the finish. After a 5am start. Not my cup of cake but respect is due!

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update;1^st April 2019 – 7^th April 2019

The first time I take first spot in my age group on Koh Samui. Last night at the 7th Koh Samui Midnight run. 5.2km in 22'23 minutes and a 4'18 pace. My fastest race to date.

Last week the maximum temperature has risen to 34C. On the other hand, the minimum temperature still had a whooping 27C.
Plenty of sunshine and hardly any rain at all. A typical April on Koh Samui start of the month.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update;1^st April 2019 – 7^th April 2019

Last week I was in Khao Lak for a PADI IDC and PADI IE. This is a beautiful stretch of beach, at the start of Khao Lak. It's taken from a big hill. On Youtube one can find videos of the 2004 tsunami, when on this beach people are swept away by the first wave. Never can shake that video when I pass this hill and look on the beautiful beach. As a matter of fact, I need to learn to take my fingers away from the new mobile camera!

For next week, the forecast is looking good. No rain predicted but plenty of partially clouded skies should be around. Enjoy your time on Koh Samui. The family and me will be off to Ao Nang in Krabi for a few days. Don't worry, we will be back for Songkran or the Thai New Year. You don't want to miss out on this celebration!

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. 

You may also opt for a very special dinner experience at The Thai Experience. Behind closed doors, reservation only and a very enjoyable and well worthwhile way of spending an evening on Samui. Authentic Thai food and a great atmosphere. Can highly recommend this experience. 

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

Camille

Welcome to April 2019

Welcome to April 2019

It's not a joke, it's the 1st April and welcome to April 2019.

The first half of the month is going to be busy. The first weekend will see big sporting events on the island.

Saturday 6th April at midnight will see the start of the 7th Koh Samui Midnight run.

The next morning, there's a 10km and 30km  trail run in Maenam, combined with mountain bike races.

Next weekend, Saturday 13th April will see the Thai New Year or Songkran celebrations. If you haven't witnessed that yet, a must see and experience event.

Other than that, April is also the hottest month on Koh Samui. Although, the last couple of years we also had a few showers during April, even on Songkran! Almost unheard of. The first April week looks good though, plenty of sunshine should be there to be enjoyed.

Today it's partially cloudy at 8am and 29C. Expect it to be hot with a fairly high humidity!

Welcome to April 2019

At Wat Bophud or Wat Bophuttaram, during the recent temple fair in March. You can put a one Baht coin in each of the cups and make merit!

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. 

You may also opt for a very special dinner experience at The Thai Experience. Behind closed doors, reservation only and a very enjoyable and well worthwhile way of spending an evening on Samui. Authentic Thai food and a great atmosphere. Can highly recommend this experience. 

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

Camille

Goodbye to August 2017

Goodbye to August 2017

The end of the month and time to say Goodbye to August 2017 under a nice and fairly sunny last day of the month. It's currently 30.7C at 10.50am and partially cloudy to sunny. How an August day on Koh Samui should be but how it wasn't all month long.

Last night we had some rain and during half of the days this month we had rain. Most of the time just some tropical showers, meaning short and possibly hard rain but we also had a couple of storms moving over our island this month.

Max temperatures ranged between 30C and 34C throughout the month, which is fairly steady and expected but in general it was not a great August with a bit more rain than average, in my opinion.

Goodbye to August 2017; Car accident near the Bophud school yesterday. The driver must have gone very fast in order to park his or her car illegally upside down! Be careful out on the Koh Samui roads, it's dangerous out there!

Looking forward to next month! Plenty of races to be run on Samui, 2nd September the Cancer Care run in Nathon at the Seatran pier. 9th September the Samui Festival marathon at the Wharf (I will only run the 10km distance). The 23rd will see the North - South charity run which is followed by the Mad Hatter run come 24th, also at the Wharf. See you there?

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; 29th May – 4th June, 2017

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 29^th May – 4^th June, 2017

It's Sunday morning and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 29th May – 4th June, 2017.

As almost every day this week, it started out with a nice and blue sky but also a fairly strong wind, earlier this morning, The wind is still holding up but the blue sky is slowly being replaced by some more clouds. Current temp at 11.30am is 32C

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 29th May – 4th June, 2017; The beach in front of Zazen Boutique Resort, nice lovely and fairly quiet this time of the year. Just before it starts to get busy again!

Last week saw nice and sunny blue skies in the morning, especially later during the week but the blue skies were often replaced by cloudy skies and a bit of rain. At times we saw very hard rain with minor floods. Max temperatures ranged from 32 to 35C, so hot and humid.

The forecast predicts more strong wind, maxing out on Tuesday and some thunderstorms combined with some tropical showers. As of Tuesday it should be fairly cloudy, so not too sure about the amount of sunshine that can be expected during next week.

Still a good time to enjoy some of the tours that are on offer as explained below!

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

Box jelly fish awareness and prevention presentation 2017 at Zazen Boutique Resort

Box jelly fish awareness and prevention presentation 2017 at Zazen Boutique Resort

It seems like it's becoming a yearly tradition, a Box jelly fish awareness and prevention presentation 2017 at Zazen Boutique Resort in Bophud/Maenam.

For the third year running, the Zazen Boutique Resort had their staff trained and updated about box jelly fish threats, awareness and how to handle during box jelly fish incidents.

Box jelly fish awareness and prevention presentation 2017 at Zazen Boutique Resort; Almost twenty persons of Zazen's staff participated in this years awareness and prevention presentation. My wife, Khun Tassanee, accompanied me again, to help out with translations

It was good to see familiar as well as new faces during the presentation. It also shows the dedication and importance of Zazen's owners and management, to stay on top of events and their intent to look after the best interest and well being of their guests. Hopefully the information and practice provided will never be needed on or near Zazen's premises, but at least the staff had training and is prepared just in case.

Box jelly fish awareness and prevention presentation 2017 at Zazen Boutique Resort; CPR training was part of the presentation and this year there was a lot more enthusiasm from the staff to actually practice. 

Thanks to Zazen Boutique Resort for the invite and the dedication they show.

Just remember, the four most important things to do when stung by a box jelly fish;

1 - Call for help, on Koh Samui that means call the Rescue service at 1169

2 - Make sure if the victim needs CPR

3 - Treat the stings and wounds with copious amounts of vinegar

4 -  Transport to a medical facility

If you're interested in getting to know more about awareness and prevention of box jelly fish, please contact me for further details.

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 daily weather update; 12th January, 2017

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 12^th January, 2017

Today's weather;

We have the prelude of a blue sky over Koh Samui this morning and it's nice for a change to see a blue-ish sky shaping up. It's supposed to be partially cloudy today with most likely plenty of sunshine again. The roads are drying up, like the surface is dry but there are also still plenty of place where the water is still on the roads, partly run off water from the mountains. Current temp at 7am is 25C

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 12th January, 2017; Blue skies yesterday at Fisherman's Village and all around the island. What a relief!

Yesterday saw a lovely day around Koh Samui, from early in the morning through to later afternoon we had a partially cloudy sky with planet of sunshine all day long. Roads were drying up and water is receding everywhere. There's plenty of damage done this time around but now it's time to start fixing it again. Max temp reached 29C

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 12th January, 2017; There are still plenty of signs and proof of the devastating power and impact the January floods had. This is the entrance to Bophud temple, closed off due to a massive puddle directly at the entrance. Many road parts have been damaged, road surface has partly gone and many holes can be found all the roads around the island, This will take ea few months to fix all this and hopefully not by just pouring some asphalt into the holes, since that will not be a very long lasting solution.

The forecast for the next seven days is looking good until the weekend. Partially cloudy skies and no rain expected but instead some sunny skies for a change. Time to recover a bit from the recent floods.

After the weekend some rain is expected and predicted, especially Tuesday may see some harder wind and some harder rain. In general this is however a more 'normal' monsoon kind of rain and not anything like we recently experienced. It will be interesting however to see how the drainage systems around the island will handle a new set of rain, considering that every drainage system is filled to the brim with rain water.

Stay tuned and enjoy the sunshine for a few days.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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

Flooding Koh Samui January 2017

Flooding Koh Samui January 2017

Flooding Koh Samui January 2017 just about a month after we had flooding in December 2016 around the island and he tail end of the monsoon bites us in the behind again!

Flooding Koh Samui January 2017; Plai Laem this morning, this part of the road is now closed

Unlike last month, this should only last today and to a lesser degree tomorrow, Saturday the recovery should start already and come Sunday all should be fine again with the wind and rain gone.

The airport has been severely affected today and to the best of my knowledge, only the 6am plane Bangkok bound was able to take off, if at all. All other flights in and outbound have been delayed for the time being and I'm not to sure if there will be any more planes be able to depart or arrive today.

Car ferry traffic with the mainland was unaffected as far as I know and between Koh Tao - Koh Phangan - Koh Samui, some ferries may have run, but possibly not all of them.

Flooding Koh Samui January 2017; At the Bophud traffic lights, for small cars not a good idea at the moment, you will need at least a pick up or a similar high sized car

This is hitting Koh Samui hard though and there are floods all over the island. The amount of torrential rain today and last night is almost unreal. There's water everywhere. 

Flooding Koh Samui January 2017; Chaweng lake becoming a real lake again, little by little, drop by drop

All the usual suspects and lots of other places weren't able to handle the amount of rain today. Once the rain decides to stop, most or all of the floods will recede within hours. Around the Chaweng lake area various pumps are installed since early last month to pump the lake clear.

Flooding Koh Samui January 2017; The Chaweng roundabout near Chaweng lake, where everybody pretends not to understand how a roundabout is supposed to function when giving way, or rather, not giving way

Before the new drainage system was put in place, a few years ago, the water would remain for a couple of days, up till weeks. Now we just have to deal with the run off from the mountains once the water has receded.

Flooding Koh Samui January 2017; Between the ring road and the start of the one way section in Chaweng, going slightly down hill

A lot of the problems have been caused by construction being build without considerations of the natural water ways, seeking the shortest way to the ocean. These are a lot of times blocked now and contribute to the overall flood problem or in some cases cause them.

Flooding Koh Samui January 2017; The hill to Nathon

We didn't have floods like this since a long time but now we have them twice in the time frame of just one month apart. December saw some serious and continuous flooding, this should only be mainly today and to a much lesser content also tomorrow.

Flooding Koh Samui January 2017; The sheep farm in Maenam turned into an instant water park, enjoy it whilst it lasts! The salad hydroponics are ok, high and although not dry, yet safe

On the mainland the situation is even worse, especially the province of Pattalung has been hit very hard but various other provinces, starting at Surat Thani and South of it and mainly the Eastern side of Thailand, have some serious water and flood problems. South bound trains can't get any further than Nakhon Si Thammarat at the moment and some major roads have been blocked.

Flooding Koh Samui January 2017; The road to Nathon, under construction and under water

We need to sit this one out and hope for it to better or less come tomorrow, as the prediction stated. If you don't need to go out, stay inside today, is my advice at the moment.

Batten those hatches down!

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

Camille

Welcome to January 2017

Welcome to January 2017

Welcome to January 2017 and a Happy New Year to all my readers! It's the first day of January of the new year 2017, let's all make it a good year.

January is when usually the monsoon time crawls back under he stones it came from and despite  cloudy and windy and slightly wet start of the year, today and possibly tomorrow, after that it should clear up and hopefully it will stay nice for the remainder of the month.

Last years January version was a bit of mixed bag, sunny and wet days alike and relatively cold (very relative!) so we'll see what this January will bring, it just hast be better than last month, December 2016!

Welcome to January 2017

Work will bring me this month to both Phuket and Koh Lanta for two consecutive PADI IDC programs and two thirds of this month I will be spending on the road again.

First things first though, we're going to check if Dcheed 2 is open today, so we can load up on pork sateh's!

Have a good one, see you tomorrow again!

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

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 5th December, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 5^th December, 2016

Today's weather;

The rain continues around Koh Samui and this morning there's a constant rain/drizzle. The roads start to flood slowly again and the end of the rain today isn't in sight, copious amounts of rain are still to come down today with hardly any breaks. The wind has slowed down though but there are various minor landslides around the island because the constant rain and floods. Current temp at 7am is 27C

At Kata on Phuket it's cloudy but dry with the sun try to break through the cloud cover but without much success at the moment. Maybe later today. Current temp at 7am is 25.3C

Yesterday the PADI IE for December on Phuket was completed very successfully by my three candidates and they all three passed with very good scores and are now PADI Open Water Scuba Instructors!

Today I'm out on the boat to the Raya islands and tomorrow via Khao Lak back to Koh Samui, where I hope to arrive late in the evening.

A funny and interesting phenomena, during floods many cars lose their license plates. There seem to be hot spots, like here near the Bophud traffic lights, were more than usual amounts of license plates are lost and the people that lve near those places or find them in general, hang them up for display, so you can claim your license plate again. I saw similar things happen with things that people lose whilst driving motorbikes, the lost item (a school unfirm hat, a shoe, you name it) is hung up for public display, so if you go looking for it, you can easily see it and get it back.

Bear The Wharf at Fisherman's Village this morning

Picture and all rights by Joe Clasby

One fo the 'hot pots' on the island near Zico's and the Centara Grand Beach Resort, where the road is very low and water has nowhere to escape to

Yesterday saw a dry morning after an almost completely dry night which gave the water an opportunity to flow away and normalize the situation again. The afternoon saw more rain agian though but not as torrential as the previous day. Some roads started to fill up again though but not as dramatic as the floods on 3rd December. Max temp reached 30C

Kata beach on Phuket, yesterday afternoon under a nice sunny sky, busy with plenty of people enjoying the flat oceans and the beach

The forecast predicts plenty of rain for today and tomorrow but the breaks seem to start by Wednesday. Still cloudy days but not as much rain as currently and recently and it will give the island time to recover from this onslaught. It was brutal but Koh Samui managed to cope and so far without power cuts, which is nice and rather unusual.

Hang in there for two more days and things should be getting back to 'normal'. 

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

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 22nd November, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 22^nd November, 2016

Today's weather;

It's cloudy over Koh Samui shores this morning but dry and it should stay like that for the remainder of the day, according to the forecasts, although you never know if a short shower can creep in, this time of the year. Current temp at 7am is 28C

Yesterday afternoon I arrived back on Phuket, where I will be starting a PADI IDC Staff Instructor course today and a PADI IDC program tomorrow.

It's cloudy in Kata on Phuket but dry and the sun is not really in sight, yet. Current temp at 7am is 27.7C

Young rubber tree plantation in the mountians somewhere between Maenam and Bophud. The nature and views in the hills on Koh Samui are stunning and well worth a visit, however, if you decide to go there, don't get lost, bring plenty of water and make sure if you take wheels, that they can handle the terrain! Other than that, enjoy!!

Yesterday saw a warm and dry day around Koh Samui with a partially cloudy sky and a max temp of 32C

Busy main raod in Patong on Phuket. The contrast can't be any greater with the picture of the Koh Samui hills! Yesterday I arrived back on Phuket, within less than two weeks having been away and I'm glad that I will be in Kata again this time around. Patong is just too busy and touristy for my liking.

The forecast for the next seven days has changed slightly again, cloudy to partially cloudy until Friday and after that a lot more sunshine is possible and overall during this seven day period, a lot less rain is predicted. Enjoy this mild November weather and each sunbeam that may come your way.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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 September, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 27^th September, 2016

Today's weather;

It's cloudy over Koh Samui with a little bit of rain thrown in and a few very small blue pockets. Most likely it will remain cloudy for the remainder of the day. Current temp at 7am is 27C

On Phuket in the Kata area we also have a very clouded and grey sky with plenty of early morning rain and it looks like it may stay like this for a while today. Current temp at 7am is also 27C

This box jelly fish washed up on Bophud beach, in the North West part of Bophud beach yesterday. If you see one of these animals on a beach, don't teach them with your bare hands, the stingers from a dead box jellyfish can still shoot off their venom after around five years. Be careful when handling it and ideally burn the dead body

Yesterday saw a partially cloudy day over Koh Samui with a few bits of sunshine and it stayed dry. Max temp reached 32C

A life guard on a Phuket beach is holding a bottle with a Portuguese man o'war or blue bottle jelly fish. They washed up on four Northern Phuket beaches, Layan, Nai Thon, Nai Yang and Mai Khao and which were consequently closed for one week to all public. There were also washed up box jelly fish found on the same beaches. Both jelly fish are potentially deadly, hence the closure of said beaches to all public, a wise decision (read the article here).

The ten day forecast for Koh Samui predicts strong wind until Friday night with heavy clouds until Monday, after this it should clear up and we might get to enjoy a lot more sunshine. Be aware of the chance for a relatively rare tropical shower.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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 September, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 26^th September, 2016

Today's weather;

On Koh Samui we have a fairly cloudy sky with a light wind but the sun is trying to peak through the cloud cover and may get the overhand at some stage, later today. I do expect it to stay dry today. Current temp at 7am is 28C

Back here on Phuket, at the Kata area, it's also partially cloudy, with a mix of light, white clouds and dark, grey clouds and a few open spots where the blue sky can be spotted. Current temp at 7am is 28.1C 

Today I will start a PADI IDC Staff instructor course, tomorrow followed by the actual PADI IDC on Phuket.

Some of the trails of yesterday's X Terra off road duathlon and trail running races in the Bophud and Maenam hills. It was hot and partially sunny yesterday which made it tough for the participants

Yesterday saw a partially cloudy sky over Koh Samui with the sun breaking through many times, which made for a warm and sticky day. Max temp reached 33C

The thru way behind beach road in Patong on Phuket, the last section before you hot a small roundabout, among others connecting to the road heading for Karon. This last section has many bars for local Thai people. Patong is my least favorite part of Phuket, too touristic, too much hassle but a great beach nonetheless. There are much nicer spots and locations around Phuket, especially if you look just that much harder

The forecast for Koh Samui over the next ten days sees strong wind popping up from Wednesday to Friday and cloudy skies until the weekend. After next weekend it might clear up and give way to sunnier skies. Be aware of a rare, tropical shower.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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 August, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 27^th August, 2016

Today's weather;

It's cloudy over Koh Samui this morning and around 6am we had a very light drizzle but now it's dry although rain is in the air. The sun tried to break through some scarce cloud holes but the clouds easily won that battle. Expect cloudy skies today, possibly with a light drizzle at times or a tropical shower. Current temp at 7am is 29C

Anybody for heavy machinery to rent or for sale? Some heavy drill machines are on display outside with lots more on offer. Previously people were sitting just next to the road around the island with the machinery on display, now it seems they found a more permanent solution with this 'show room' near Bandon Hospital

Yesterday saw a nice and sunny day until around 4pm when we had some very light drizzle and around 7pm we had some hard tropical thunder shower. Max temp reached 34C

The forecast keeps changing ever so slightly and now we should not have that much sunshine anymore but a lot more cloudy or partially cloudy skies at best, with strong wind and rain after the first September weekend.

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

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 25th August, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 25^th August, 2016

Today's weather;

A blue sky with isolated, thin clouds is shaping up over Koh Samui this morning and it looks like a nice and sunny day is in the making. Current temp at 7am is 28C

Donate for the twelve Zodiac signs. Lots of different ways are used to get donations form visitors at Thai temples, this is one of them. In a Thai temple it's worthwhile to check for these donation options, they can be quite interesting at times. This is at the new sitting monk statue at Wat Bophud

Yesterday saw a warm and mostly sunny day around Koh Samui, it stayed dry at our part of the island but there may have been isolated rain showers. We had a max temp of 33C

The ten days forecast keeps changing slightly each day, now we should experience a little bit less sunshine over the next tend days compared to previous forecasts so we will see what happens, if those partially cloudy skies will come through. This weekend may see some rain and the weekend after we might see the wind pick up again. Still a strange August version this year.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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 August, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 24^th August, 2016

Today's weather;

It looks like we have an almost clear but lightly hazy sky this morning over Koh Samui and once the sun warms up, the haze should disappear and we may have a very sunny day at our hands. Current temp at 7am is 28C

Road safety has a different definition in Thailand (and most South East Asian countries in general). This pick up truck has four people sitting on the back and is piled high up with scaffolding materials. I took this picture yesterday next to Bandon Hospital

Yesterday saw a sunny day with a nice blue sky, up until around 4pm when dark clouds moved in and we had a short tropical shower. Max temp reached 33C

The forecast keeps changing ever so slightly and we can enjoy partially cloudy skies until and including the weekend with an occasional tropical shower and sunnier skies after the weekend. Towards the first September weekend the wind may pick up again.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and 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