Storm Pabuk latest: Tens of thousands escape Thai tourist islands as 7m waves forecast to hit resorts

Country's southern shoreline set to see first tropical storm in 30 years

Boats from Koh Tao to the mainland were packed with tourists, the island's mayor said (Getty)

Tens of thousands of tourists have reportedly escaped popular resort islands in Thailand ahead of the first tropical storm to hit the country’s southern shores in almost 30 years.

Tropical Storm Pabuk is set to bring 40mph winds, heavy rains and seven-metre waves to a number of tourist spots on Friday, including the islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.

Krikkrai Songthanee, Koh Phangan district chief, told AFP news agency: “I think the islands are almost empty ... between 30,000 to 50,000 have left since the New Year’s Eve countdown parties.”

The mayor of Koh Tao, an iconic diving spot, said boats to the mainland were packed with tourists, but that several thousand guests were still on the island and likely to see out the storm.

The Thai Meteorological Department warned of heavy downpours and strong winds in several provinces, including Samui, Phuket and Krabi.

“We expect waves as high as seven metres near the eye of the storm,” the meteorological department’s Phuwieng Prakammaintara told reporters. “Normally in the Gulf of Thailand there are only two metre high waves.

“It’s difficult to predict the severity of the storm so people should comply with authorities’ recommendations.”

Some hotel operators reported a few early checkouts and said they were prepared.

Bangkok Airways has cancelled all flights to and from the popular resort island of Koh Samui, potentially stranding tourists. Local media also reported that ferry services were suspended.

Ampawan Taopheng, manager of Lub D Koh Samui hotel on the island’s Chaweng Beach said: “Since the morning we have prepared sand bunkers and we have barricaded glass windows. We have also prepared first aid kits, torches, water, food and fuel for the hotel’s power generator.”

She added that other hotel operators had made similar preparations.

Thailand-based oil and gas company PTTEP said it had suspended operations at Bongkot and Erawan, two of the country’s biggest gas fields in the Gulf of Thailand.

“Our immediate and urgent task is to do everything in our power to ensure safety and wellbeing of staff,” the company said.

Additional reporting by Reuters