UPDATING the forecast, the Meteorological Bureau predicts light rain on Phuket Monday followed by the heavier storms, originally forecast for Sunday, arriving on Tuesday.


PHUKET: Residents and tourists on Phuket and along the Andaman coast are being warned of the dangers of severe monsoon weather from Sunday through to Thursday.

In a ''red alert'' the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation late on Saturday called on the Governors of Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Ranong and Trang to be aware of severe conditions that are likely to increase the risks of flooding, landslips and other dangers.

There has been no warning so far that would prevent small boats from leaving, despite the dangerous conditions. The responsibility for allowing or preventing small boats from sailing rests with Phuket's Marine 5 office.

The DDPM says that meteorologists have warned of winds up to 35kph and waves of two metres, with the likelihood of rain at 60 percent across Phuket.

Similar conditions are likely to prevail through until Thursday.

Slopes that are subjected to waterlogging over several days become more likely to slide. Floods continue to be likely in areas on main roads across the island.

Tourists who wish to swim are advised to take note of the lifeguard system and to obey red flags when they are placed at beaches. They mean ''Today it's not safe to swim.''