Hotels and resorts along the coastline of Prachuap Khiri Khan have raised red flags as strong monsoon winds continue to batter beaches in Hua Hin and across the province’s eight districts.
The adverse weather, which has persisted for three consecutive days, has prompted businesses and local authorities to take precautionary measures to ensure public safety.
Rough seas, with waves as high as 2 to 4 metres, have pounded Hua Hin Beach, Khao Takiab Beach, and Khao Tao Beach since early morning on 12 January.
The strong surf has eroded the beaches, with seawater surging up to the sea walls of hotels, resorts, and restaurants along a 10-kilometre stretch of the coastline.
Beachfront businesses in Hua Hin, including many beach restaurants, have been forced to halt operations.
Many operators have moved furniture and sun loungers behind protective barriers, while some have resorted to using sandbags and makeshift scaffolding to shield their premises from the relentless waves.
Beach activities, such as strolling, swimming, and horseback riding, have also been suspended, with only a few tourists venturing to the shore to observe the conditions.
Horse rental operators have reported a significant drop in income over the past two days due to the lack of visitors. They expect the rough conditions to continue for another two to three days, with warnings in place for potentially worsening weather.
Speaking about the situation, Mr Jamnong Butsongsuk, manager of Verso Hotel Hua Hin and advisor to the Hua Hin-Cha-am Tourism Business Association, said the hotel raised red flags two days ago to warn guests of hazardous conditions. He noted that during high tides, particularly in the morning, the waves have reached as far as the walkways leading to Wat Khao Takiab, rendering the area inaccessible.
Hua Hin Municipality has also installed red flags and warning signs along the beach. Mayor Nopporn Wutthikul confirmed that hotels and resorts from Hua Hin to Khao Takiab have issued advisories to both Thai and foreign tourists, urging them to avoid entering the water or engaging in water-based activities until conditions improve.
The Meteorological Department has advised the public to remain vigilant and stay updated on weather forecasts. Officials warned that strong winds and high waves in the Gulf of Thailand are likely to persist over the next two to three days, driven by a surge of cold air from China, which is also expected to cause temperatures in Thailand to drop by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius.
A powerful northeast monsoon currently covering the Gulf of Thailand and southern Thailand has caused sea conditions to deteriorate, with wave heights ranging from 2 to 4 metres. As a result, more than 100 fishing boats have been anchored in Khao Takiab Canal and Hua Hin Pier to avoid the rough seas.
