Waves crash on Thai island as locals and tourists brace for Storm Pabuk

Footage taken this morning on Thai holiday island Koh Samui shows wet and windy weather as locals prepare for storm Pabuk to hit the area.

The normally bustling streets were virtually deserted as authorities on ''red alert'' braced themselves for heavy rain and winds of up to 100mph to hit the coast of southern Thailand.

Flights to the island were cancelled - as well as boats - leaving thousands of holidaymakers who haven't fled the popular island stranded.

Bangkok Airways - the only carrier that operates flights to the island - said on Thursday (03/01) that it decided to suspend the service due to forecasts of gusty winds and heavy rain in the Gulf of Thailand.

Weather experts are unsure of where the eye of the storm will hit, but it is expected to be between the provinces of Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat on Thailand's south coast.

The islands of Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan are directly in front that stretch of coastline.

Alan Atkinson, a British expat who is working alongside the Royal Thai Police in Chumphon province as they prepare for the storm, said today (Fri) that authorities along the coast were on ''red alert''.

He said: ''Anyone who hasn't already left is stuck. They'll have to ride it out for the next few days.

''The storm could bring devastation, the likes of which haven't been seen here for more than half a century.

''We're prepared for the worst. There are no boats leaving the islands and no aeroplanes. We've had instructions to prepare emergency supplies.''