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

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

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.

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

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; 22^nd June – 28^th June 2020

Good morning and welcome to the  Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 22nd June – 28th June 2020. We're almost at the end of another month. 

Last week the weather was typical of the minor rainy season we have right now. Firstly, plenty of partially and cloudy days. Secondly, also plenty of tropical showers. This Sunday morning, it's cloudy but dry. However, the roads are wet from last nights rain.

The current June 2020 PADI IDC has moved to Koh Samui. This after we completed the online learning experience. Today open water dives are scheduled. We're diving again!

Current temperature at 8am is 28C. Rather cool compared to other weeks.

Maximum temperature last week reached 34C at the beginning of the week. The minimum was mainly 24C, except at the end of the week when it dropped to 23C.

Covid19 is at a very low infection rate. Firstly, Thailand didn't have a local infection since 33 days. Secondly, Koh Samui and Surat Thani province are well in the 75 days range. The only infections at the moment seem to come from people returning to Thailand.

The borders more or less remain shut though. International arrivals are now allowed as of 1st July for a limited range of people. Business people and persons with Thai spouses can now return again.

The emergency decree has been extended for another month, into July.

 Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 22^nd June – 28^th June 2020

 The markets are open since a while again. The food on display is the same as always. Thai curry paste is still available in large quantities! Spicy and colorful as always! Thailand remains Thailand.

The forecast for next week looks fairly good. Today and tomorrow there's a chance of another tropical shower or two. After that, we should see some more sunshine again.

Hang in there and hopefully, very soon, we will be able to welcome you again on our lovely 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; 15^th June – 21^st June 2020

Here we are back with the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 15th June – 21st June 2020. At almost noon it's 32C and partially cloudy. It's fairly humid as well.

Last week saw a few showers. Mostly during the late evening, evening or night. Especially in the morning the sun tends to be out. Maximum temperature reached 34C. During the last three days it ranged between 33C and 34C. Before that it topped at 32C. The minimum quicksilver reading was fairly steady around 24C.

Thailand is now entering phase 5 of the easing of the lock down. Apparently bars can open today or at least very soon again. Koh Samui and the province of Surat Thani did not have a covid19 case since over 70 days now.

The prospect of tourists returning to the island or Thailand in general looks bleak though. International flight arrivals may not be allowed until 1st September. It's not sure right now who will be allowed to enter. A lot of speculation but nothing concrete is available at the moment. It does look however that the emergency decree might stay a bit longer. More and more it looks like the Christmas period may be the first time we see some form of tourism being restored. It remains a guess how the government expects people in the tourism industry can make a living.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 15^th June – 21^st June 2020

The Tuesday market opposite the regular market in Plai Laem. Next to the bridge to Bang Rak. It's open again and it is busy! Social distancing is not on anybody's mind! Should it be after being 70 days covid free on the island? We did buy some food for takeaway and enjoyed it at home.

The prediction for next week is similar to the last few weeks. Mostly partially cloudy. This will be laced with a few tropical showers, mainly in the afternoon or evening.

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; 8^th June – 14^th June 2020

Welcome to the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 8th June – 14th June 2020.

It's fairly cloudy outside and a bleak sun is trying to break through the clouds. The current temperature at 10am is 31C

Two days ago I started a PADI IDC. That in itself is not so special. However, it is special because I'm currently allowed by PADI to teach the theory part online. Due to the current Covid19 pandemic. The live part of this PADI IDC will be during the last week of June. On Koh Samui! For the first time in five years, I teach an IDC on Koh Samui again. The PADI IE will be on 2+3 July. Also on Koh Samui.

Last week saw a few very hot days, due to the humidity. We also had had a few showers though. Some fairly hard. This in turn caused a few flash floods at the usual locations. Yesterday the quicksilver hit 35C during the afternoon. During the rest of the week, it regularly hit 34C. The minimum temperature last week reached 22C. Just during one night. Mostly it was 23-25C. Yesterday evening we had a strong storm blowing over. Hard rain and strong wind.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 8^th June – 14^th June 2020

Last week I visited Central Festival for the time after it opened again. All shops seem to be open but it was very quiet. Hardly any customers walking around. I visited to change money at a bank. To my big surprise, exchange services are not available due to Covid19. This makes me really wonder why money can not be exchanged in order to beat Covid19? Inquiring minds wonder.

For next week, the prediction shows us partially cloudy skies with a few showers. This Sunday afternoon and tomorrow can be fairly wet!

On the Covid19 front, firstly the curfew will be lifted tomorrow. Secondly, restaurants can serve alcohol again. However, on the other hand, the emergency decree will remain in place and all borders remain shut. There's a bit of controversy going on, for many things are closed to foreigners. Wat Pho in Bangkok but also bus travel is prohibited for foreigners. To fight Covid. All nice and dandy, but all foreigners in the country have had the same exposure to Covid as Thai people. No tourists are allowed to enter. Many people talk about blatant racism. I leave it up to you how you see this.

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; 1st June – 7th June 2020

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 1^st June – 7^th June 2020

Sunday morning and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 1st June – 7th June 2020. It's 11am and it's partially cloudy. Currently the sun is out, but before that it was more cloudy. Current temperature is 31C. As expected by now, it's also very humid.

Last week saw a very typical June week. A bit of rain here and there. Some hard tropical showers were part of the week. On the other hand, there was also sunshine. Combined with the humidity, it was hot and sweaty! The maximum temperature reached 35C early in the week. Most of the time it reached 33C to 34C. However, it's interesting how during a late afternoon tropical shower, the temperature dropped from the lower thirties into the mid-high twenties. On the other hand, the minimum temperature last week dropped to 23C a few nights. For very short periods though. Mostly it was 24-25C.

Some Covid19 updates. We have arrived in phase 3 of lowering restrictions. Massage parlors are allowed to open again, for instance. Cinemas can open their doors as well, but with limited capacity and no pop corn! 1st July may see opening of all borders and lifting of all restrictions. This is not confirmed yet, though. Not everybody will be allowed to enter Thailand at that moment. At the moment there's talk of 'travel bubbles'. In a nutshell, this means that tourists from countries that are good in controlling the virus, can access Thailand. Thais (and expats?) from Thailand can also visit these countries. This includes among others, China and Vietnam. It doesn't include most European countries or the USA at the time being.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 1^st June – 7^th June 2020

Despite the current Covid19 situation, there's lots of road construction going on around the island. This is in front of our house in Plai Laem. After about a year of having stopped construction. now the workers are in full construction mode and work swiftly. The idea is that a walkway is constructed. For this, most households/owners need to hand over a tiny little bit of their land to the government. Not everybody is happy with that. Near us, two households refused to donate the land. The work was rested because of this. Now they continue again. Whoever doesn't want a new road/walkway in front of their house, they just pass by. It's now apparently up to you what you want. You want it nice later on, you have to take care yourself. Many houses actually did build on public road terrain and have now the illegal buildings removed. There's no discussion there. Other parts of the island also have road construction going. It does look a lot better to be honest. Just in my humble opinion that is.

For next week the predictions are are similar to the last 2-3 weeks. Partially cloudy,. This means hot and humid sunny moments. There can and most likely will also be tropical showers.

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

Welcome to June 2020

First day of the month and welcome to June 2020 indeed. It's hot. Did I mention humid already? At 4pm it's 35C and I feel almost as if I'm being roasted. All energy is seeping out of you!

Nonetheless, we have a new normal at our hands with a lot of more shops allowed to open in Thailand. Massage shops, movie theaters and a few more things. Bangkok Air increased their flights to/from Bangkok from two per day to 4  peer day. Pattaya beach is open again! Step by step Thailand is opening up. Hopefully come 1st July, all restriction will have been lifted. Including international arrivals at the airports.

The weather is usually very nice during June. Yes, there's a rainy season, but nothing too serious. Plenty of tropical showers. However, also plenty of sunshine. You wished you were here!

Welcome to June 2020

Some funny person put a face mask on this elephants trunk at Wat Plai Laem. Just to show that Covid19 has no boundaries. Today also saw free rabid vaccines being given to dogs and cats by  government institution. Plenty of dog and cat owners came out to have their four feeted friends being injected.

All previous years, June has been a great month for running races. Not so much this year. All races have been cancelled. At the moment it's unclear when racing will be allowed again.

Stay safe and see you soon!

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