Tens of thousands of tourists flee tropical Phuket

phuket - The Thai province of Changwat Phuket prepares for tropical storm Pabuk. High waves will accompany the storm. Tens of thousands of tourists are now from the Thai holiday islands...

The islands are definitely around Christmas and the turn of the year crowded holiday destinations. But since Wednesday it is becoming quieter. The ferries are full and the vacationers restless. Krikkrai Songthanee, district head of Koh Phangnan says in conversation with AFP that the islands are almost empty: 'Between 30,000 and 50,000 people have left since the turn of the year. '