Thais seek shelter as first tropical storm nears coast

BANGKOK (Reuters), JANUARY 4, 2019  - Thailand’s first tropical storm in three decades, packing winds of up to 80 kph, is expected to make landfall on Friday evening, sending thousands of people flocking to shelter inland and shutting down two major airports.   

The winds accompanying tropical storm Pabuk churned up high waves and gusts in the Gulf of Thailand, ahead of its arrival in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat.   

Weather officials warned of torrential downpours and strong winds in 15 provinces in the Thai south, home to one of the world’s largest natural rubber plantations and several islands thronged by tourists.   

“The strong winds are forecast with waves up to 3 to 5 meters high in the Gulf and 2 to 3 meters high in the Andaman Sea. All ships (should) keep ashore,” the Thai Meteorological Department said in a statement early on Friday.