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

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 16th – 22nd March 2020

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 16^th – 22^nd March 2020

Sunday morning and welcome to the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 16th – 22nd March 2020.
We all woke up in a different world this morning. Are you also longing to that parallel universe where sports events, concerts and the like are still happening. Where self quarantine is a non existing issue.

I'm still running, but will most likely turn down the intensity of my training down a few levels.

Social distancing is still not very well understood here in Thailand. The country has more or less closed it's borders, without straight out saying so. However, in order to enter Thailand, as a foreigner you need a medical statement saying you're corona free, no older than 72 hours. Plus you need health insurance with at least 100,000.-USD coverage. Even Thai citizens need a medical statement that they are fir to fly and a letter from their embassy/consulate, stating they're Thai citizens. Whatever happened to passports?

In the meantime, live on Koh Samui goes on. Bars, movie theaters, gyms, massage parlors etc are all closed.

Supermarkets are open and well stocked. I haven't seen any panic buying, yet. The roads are very quiet though. Don't think many tourists are left. It will become increasingly difficult to leave the country very soon.

On Koh Phangan the first covid19 case in the Samui archipelago has been confirmed.

Interesting times are ahead of us. 

There's no social help plan in place, so it will be each to and for his own here. Everybody stay safe and only go out when you need to. Like for grocery shopping. Keep social distancing in place and keep washing your hands.

Now let's move on to the weather. Currently, at 11am, it's already 31C. Partially clouded and probably getting a little bit warmer.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 16^th – 22^nd March 2020

Parts of the Nathon government hospital are under construction. New wings are being build. Some have been completed already. Given the current Covid19 circumstances, this can't be done fast enough. Looking at all or most other countries in the world, Thailand may be in for some thing. Currently infection numbers are low, but hardly any tests are conducted in Thailand. Once the proverbial feces hits the fans here, it can become very interesting. Let's hope for the best.

All of last week was sunny. It's been splendid. Not a single drop of rain has been sighted by me. It was a mix of blue skies to partially clouded skies. Maximum temperatures hit 32C. All week long the minimum temperature didn't drop below 22C. Except for last night, it hit rock bottom with 21C.

Next week is looking gorgeous. No rain is predicted. We may have a lot of partially cloudy skies though. Nothing wrong with that. Stay safe everybody! Do drop in to check the situation on Koh Samui. I will post regular updates on the Koh Samui info blog Facebook page.

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

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 7th October – 14th October 2018

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 7th October – 14th October 2018 

It's Sunday morning and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 7th October – 14th October 2018.

No running this weekend since I'm still suffering from a mild cold. It just isn't going away!

It started out nicely this morning with plenty of sunshine. That has changed though and at almost 10am cloud cover is taking over. Current temperature at 10am is 29C

Maximum temperatures reached 32C this week and it dropped to 25C at the most.

We had a lot more rain last week then expected. As you can see though, the temperatures were still nice though. We had some sunshine but most days there was some rain. Nothing too bad but still wet. Sometimes a few hours at a time.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 7th October – 14th October 2018; Massive construction going on at the government hospital in Nathon. The whole 'heart' or center of the hospital is being dug up. Not sure what is being constructed, it's too early to tell. It's part of a big make over, construction has already been going on for well over a year. This seems to be a massive job though.

The forecast for the next seven days is looking good. Overcast but supposedly dry until Wednesday. A little bit of wind and possibly a shower after that but also more chance of sunshine.

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. 

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

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 14th October, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 14^th October, 2016

Today's weather;

There's a thin cloud layer over Koh Samui this morning with plenty of blue spots peeking through, It looks like a nice warm and dry day is in the making. Current temp at 7am is 28C

It's good to be back home again.

In front of Siriraj hospital in Bangkok, yesterday evening, where HM King Bhumibol was treated for several months where he passed away yesterday, thousand of Thai people pay respect to HM King Bhumibol, after having reigned Thailand for 70 years and 126 days.

“The government will inform the National Legislative Assembly that His Majesty the King, who is now residing in his royal coffin, has already designated an Heir Apparent in accordance with the Succession Law,” junta chairman Prayuth Chan-och said.

There will be an official mourning period of one year and Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, has asked for time to mourn with the rest of the country, meaning there's currently no set date when he will be crowned as King Rama X.
In the meantime caretaker will be Prem Tinsulanonda who already was Prime Minister in 1979

Yesterday saw a nice and warm day with plenty of sunshine although there was also a thin cloud layer. Late in the evening, around 9.30pm there was some short, hard rain followed by drizzle for a while. Max temp reached 32C

The forecast for the next ten days on Koh Samui has changed, until next Tuesday it's supposed to be cloudy to partially cloudy and I expect a few sunny days with an occasional shower but come next week Wednesday the wind is supposed to pick up, with at times storm like force. Strangely enough not too much rain is predicted though during that period.

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 August, 2016

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

Today's weather;

It's cloudy over Koh Samui this morning and I expect it to remain mostly cloudy today but dry and with a nice and cool breeze. Current temp at 9am is 29C. 

A late update this morning since I just got back from a 17.5km interval run here on Phuket. The weather changed drastically overnight here, it's blue skies galore this morning and the current temp at 9am is 29.1C

Yesterday we completed the current July/August 2016 PADI IDC on Phuket with a day out on the ocean and some open water training dives and tomorrow the PADI IE or exam starts for my two candidates.

They were running out of parking space at the Government hospital in Nathon,so the grand idea was to create parking space in front of already parked cars. Brilliant idea!

Yesterday saw a windy and cloudy day around Koh Samui with some rain showers thrown in for good measure. Max temp reached 31C

Chalong pier on Phuket, under a dark and grey sky yesterday morning when we left for a days diving at Raya Yai island. It was choppy on the way out but a lot nicer on the way back in again

The forecast for the next ten days on Koh Samui look nice until Wednesday, until the outskirts of a new typhoon will hit Thailand again and currently strong storm like conditions are expected around next weekend, starting next Friday.

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; 21st June, 2016

Today's weather;

It's cloudy and grey this morning over Koh Samui and it feels like rain is in the air and I would expect some rain later today. There's a nice breeze today though and it's cool-ish. Current temp at 7am is 27C

Since a few weeks you can find this stranded fisherman's boat in front of the Nathon Government hospital

Yesterday saw a cloudy day with a bit of a drizzle around 1.30pm and again during the early evening and night. Max temp reached 31C

The forecast has changed a bit and unfortunately not for the better, it seems like a more typical, monsoon like June weather is moving in and for the next ten days it's predicted to be cloudy with occasional showers after next 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; 6th March, 2016

Today's weather;

Right now the sky is still fairly hazy over Koh Samui but it looks like a nice blue sky is about to shape up with a few clouds in it. Current temp at 7am is 28C

A new wing is being build at the government hospital in Nathon 

Yesterday saw a nice, dry and fairly sunny day around Koh Samui with a max temp of 31C

The forecast didn't change for the next ten days, fairly sunny days with some clouds in it and possibly next weekend more clouds than sun.

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; 2nd March, 2016

Today's weather;

It's cloudy and grey this morning over Koh Samui with possibly some rain during the early afternoon. Not a great start to the new month. Current temp at 7am is 27C

New parking spots at the government hospital in Nathon, in the middle of the road between two rows of parked cars. There's indeed a shortage of parking spots, but if this is the solution? The cars in the middle block the cars on the left and right and if you're parked in the middle, how are you getting out of that? Not too great thinking, in my humble opinion!

Yesterday saw a partially sunny morning but at around 2pm we had a strong shower that lasted a while and it remained cloudy for the remainder of the day. Max temp reached 30C

The forecast is looking slightly better again. A breeze and an occasional until and during the weekend and some more chance of sunshine after the 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

Welcome to March 2016

Welcome to March 2016

The last month of the first quarter this year is about to begin, so it's time to say 'Welcome to March 2016'.

Just like February, March is usually a month with nice weather conditions, plenty of sunshine and not too hot. Although, towards the end of the month, the temperatures will start to increase on a daily base. Except for 2011, all recorded March months by me, since 2007, have had nice weather conditions, so let's hope this year won't be an exception.

Dengue fever chart of Koh Samui as of late February 2016 at the Social medicine room at the Government hospital in Nathon

This month will find me on Koh Phangan as of next weekend for a PADI IDC. The 26th March will see the 4th edition of the Samui Midnight run, hope many of you will be able to make it there, either as participants or spectators!

Looking forward a good version of March 2016!

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; 1st March, 2016

Today's weather;

A blue but hazy sky is shaping up over Koh Samui this morning, laced with some cloud formations. It should remain partially clouded with a nice refreshing breeze today. Current temp at 7am is 28C

The food court at the Government hospital in Nathon, in my humble opinion one of the better food courts on the island

Yesterday saw a mostly cloudy day with some sunny moments on and off and a nice breeze. During the early evening there was an unexpected shower. Max temp reached 30C

The forecast has changed slightly and during the next ten days, a nice breeze is expected with a more cloudier forecast each day. Rain showers should be rather rare but not impossible.

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; 21st February, 2016

Today's weather;

A nice blue sky is shaping up over Koh Samui this morning and it looks like it will be a very sunny day today. Current temp at 7am is 27C

Beach front at the Nathon Government hospital

Yesterday saw a nice and sunny day around Koh Samui with a max temp of 30C

The forecast is looking good for the next ten days with mostly sunny skies and the wind picking up this coming Thursday and Friday, possibly accompanied by rain.

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; 7th January, 2016

Today's weather;

The sky over Koh Samui has a thin cloud layer this morning and we had some rain during the night. It should clear up during the daytime though. Current temp at 7am is 28C

The ocean near the Government hospital in Nathon

Yesterday saw a nice and sunny day with some isolated clouds. Max temp reached 32C

The forecast hasn't changed a lot for the next ten days, the wind may increase a little bit but it should remain mostly sunny and hardly any showers are expected, but they are not excluded.

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; 29th August, 2015

Today's weather;

A nice blue sky hovers over Koh Samui with a few hazy clouds which are likely to evaporate once the sun heats up. Current temp at 7am is 28.5C

The main entrance at the government hospital in Nathon

Yesterday saw a very cloudy day with a drizzle almost all morning long and at some places some heavy rain. During the afternoon it dried up but remained cloudy. Max temp reached 29C

The forecast predicts a cloudy week all of next week with some sun coming through again after next weekend. There should be hardly any wind and you may possibly encounter a fairly 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; 11th August, 2015

Today's weather;

It's partially cloudy this morning around Koh Samui and I expect it to clear up later today and we may enjoy blue skies and a hot day. Current temp at 7am is 26.8C

Earlier this week I met with members of a box jelly fish work group (click on the link to see a blog of the meeting) at Bandon Hospital. The work group is government funded and they're on Koh Samui for setting up networks and raising awareness about box jelly fish and will visit Koh Phangan as well, where recently a 31 year old Thai woman passed away after a box jelly fish encounter

Yesterday started out with a light cloud cover and slowly this turned into a nice blue sky with just a few isolated clouds. This was the first blue sky we enjoyed this month! Max temp reached 33,8C

The forecast is looking good, hardly any wind, mostly sunny skies and maybe a very isolated tropical shower. Towards the end of this ten day period, there may be some wind coming back 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

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 23rd November, 2014

Today's weather;

It's cloudy over Koh Samui this morning and it won't surprise if we see some rain later today. Current temp at 7am is 25.7C

I'm today in Thalang, Phuket where I participated in an 11.2km mini marathon. My time was 56 minutes. It's partly cloudy here with a current temp of 25.5C

An over sized drum at Wat Nara Charoen Suk in Lipa Noi

Yesterday saw about 18mm of rain during the day time come down on Samui. Max temp reached 30C.

Here in Phuket, 28mm rain came down yesterday and mostly during the early evening. It was almost torrential with lots of thunder thrown in as well. Max temp reached 33.2C

There was heavy rain from the moment I left Khao Lak yesterday, around 5pm all the way into Phuket.

Thalang Hospital in Phuket, view from my hotel room

The forecast predicts rain today, followed by a few supposedly dry days and possibly even some sunshine. After a few days we might encounter some rain again.

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

 Camille

Blood donors Koh Samui need your help

Koh Samui is a lovely beach, resort and island destination but unfortunately the roads on the island are becoming too busy and many accidents happen. Sometimes rare blood types are needed and the blood donors of Koh Samui try to help out with this demand.

The next blood donor session will be held at the Centara Grand Beach Resort on Monday 23rd of June between 10am and 3-30pm. Everybody is invited to donate and you can help their Facebook page by liking it!

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

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 23rd January, 2014

Today's weather;

On Koh Samui it's similar to yesterday morning, mostly cloudy, a strong wind and likely the sun may break through later today. Current temp at 7am is 23.9C

My fever is not getting better, yesterday I went to the local clinic and they though it wasn't dengue. After a bit of checking around and with the help of my wife, there seems to be 'Flu B' strain going around in Indonesia and Thailand. I have most of the symptoms and it lasts 6-7 days. I'm halfway now.

In the meantime, back on Gili Air in Indonesia, it's mostly overcast but no wind right now. Current temp at 8am local time is 27C

Yesterday we had plenty of sun throughout the day but in the afternoon and evening it was back to rain.

The first and original clinic on Gili Air in Indonesia, now there are more clinics but I went to visit this one to get myself checked. 

Yesterday saw a nice around Samui, strong wind but also sunshine. Max temp reached 27C

The forecast shows potentially of sunshine and moderate wind for the next 7 days.

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

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 26th September, 2013

Today's weather;

A gorgeous blue sky welcomed Koh Samui this morning and it looks like a third very wam or rather hot day in a row. Current temp at 7am is 27C

The Government Hospital in Nathon, where my wife is since two nights, in observation before the birth of our 3rd child

Yesterday saw blue skies all day long and it was hot! Max temp reached 34.3C

The forecast predicts potentially more sunny days until Sunday when wind and rain should kick in again, with even stronger wind later next week but less rain.

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

Camille

Government Hospital Surat Thani town

It's the second time I visit this hospital in Surat Thani town and on both occasions it was not so good occasions. The first time involved a visit to a friend who was waiting for repatriation back to the UK after what turned out to be, in the long run, a fatal motorbike accident on Koh Samui. This was a few years back, many 10 years or a little bit more.

Government Hospital Surat Thani town, main entrance

This time around it was to wait and see the result of an operation on my Mother in law. Unfortunately the result was not good and we hope she will recover soon enough and that she will be strong enough to make the trip back to Koh Samui as soon as possible.

The hospital is one of the bigger ones in the South of Thailand and apparently even attracts patients not alone from the more direct surroundings including Koh Samui, but also from as far away as Phuket, Trang and similar big(ish) Southern Thai cities.

I will try to write a post on life and conditions inside this hospital, something that is has hard to fathom as a Westerner.

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, 2012

Today's weather;

It's merely overcast around Koh Samui this morning and the roads are still wet from rain last night. Current temp at 7am is 25C

The government hospital in Nathon yesterday, a sharp contrast to 4 years ago

Yesterday saw a cloudy morning, a sunny afternoon and an overcast evening with a very wet night with plenty of rain. Max temp reached 31.5C

The forecast eased down a bit, there's still wind predicted but not by far as strong as originally predicted and also the rain seems to be less prominent now for the next 7 days.

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

Camille