Red flags posted along the beach mark where lifeguards have deemed the water too unsafe to swim.
However, people have continued to ignore them, sometimes at their own peril. Heavy surf claimed four lives at Phuket beaches ‒ specifically Nai Harn, Mai Khao and Surin beach ‒ in just nine days from June 9 through to Monday (June 17).
Regardless, people visiting the beaches have continued to ignore the red flags, with eight tourists rescued in Karon and Patong.
Patong lifeguards repeated their plea for people to not swim where red flags are posted after recovering yet not another person from the dangerous surf yesterday.
The notice issued by Vice Governor Sattha, dated yesterday, explained that the Phuket Provincial office of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM-Phuket), in coordination with the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), had issued a warning about expected severe weather from June 19-25.
The southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand is intensifying, and a low-pressure area is forming over Upper Vietnam and the Gulf of Tonkin. This will result in increased rainfall and heavy rain in some areas of the southern western region, with sea waves reaching 2-3 meters and exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorms.
This weather poses risks of flash floods, flooding and strong winds, the notice warned.
The notice instructed all relevant agencies to follow official safety preparedness and response guidelines and to take immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and tourists in Phuket.
Regarding flood management, officials are to closely monitor rainfall and reservoir levels to manage water release and prevent overflow, and to identify and monitor areas prone to heavy rain and potential flooding.
Officials are to issue warnings and close natural tourist attractions if necessary.
Officers were warned to be cautious of electrical hazards and to cut off power immediately in risky areas.
Regarding traffic, in case of flooding in underpasses or tunnels, officers are to redirect traffic and pump out the water quickly. Officers are to be deployed to monitor such areas 24/7.
Regarding strong winds, officials are to issue public warnings and post signs in coastal areas to inform tourists to avoid swimming during strong waves.
The Marine Department, Navy and Marine Police are to warn boaters about navigating safely and to prohibit setting out to open water if conditions worsen.
Officials are to provide prompt assistance to disaster victims following relevant rules and regulations.
District disaster divisions must report daily updates to the DDPM-Phuket main office.
People were urged to report incidents or seek assistance via the safety hotline 1784, phone number 076-510098, or Line app ID: @1784DDPM.
All government agencies are to ensure officers are available 24/7 to respond to incidents.