Two Chinese tourists lost their lives on Sunday as gusty winds and turbulent seas, driven by the remnants of Typhoon Wipha, swept across parts of southern Thailand. Authorities on Monday warned of continued heavy rainfall and dangerous conditions in several provinces.
In Phuket, a Chinese tourist identified as Wang Yang, 53, was killed when a large tree was uprooted by strong winds and fell on her at a beach on Koh He island in Muang district.
According to Pol Lt Sirapat Chupong of Chalong police station, Wang and her husband had been lying on a beach bench beneath the tree when it collapsed. Her husband sustained only minor injuries and received on-site medical assistance from emergency responders.
Wang’s body was transported to Chalong Hospital for an initial examination and later sent to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a full autopsy.
Meanwhile, in neighbouring Krabi province, authorities reported the drowning of another Chinese national. The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Centre Region 3 confirmed that Shin Yushi, 34, died after being swept away by strong currents while swimming off Koh Lanta.
Chaiyaphreuk Weerawong, chief of Mu Koh Lanta National Park, said Shin had been swimming with a friend when he was caught in rough seas. His body was recovered about one kilometre from where he vanished and taken to Koh Lanta Hospital for an autopsy.
Phuket and Krabi were among the provinces hardest hit along Thailand’s Andaman coast, where Typhoon Wipha’s tail end brought relentless rain and stormy seas. Though downgraded to a tropical storm after making landfall in southern China, Wipha’s impact remained severe.
In a separate incident linked to the storm, a supply boat en route from mainland Krabi to a resort on Phi Phi island sank amid rough waters. The boat’s operator survived by clinging to a floating plastic container for more than four hours before being rescued by a passing trawler.
The Thai Meteorological Department on Monday issued a fresh warning, forecasting continued downpours and high waves through Thursday. Officials said around half of Thailand could face further rain due to the lingering effects of Wipha.
Five provinces were identified as being at greatest risk: Chanthaburi, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Ranong, and Trat. Residents in mountainous areas were cautioned about potential landslides and flash floods, while coastal communities were urged to remain vigilant as rough seas persist.
