A SAVAGE storm ripped through Phuket City about 10.40am on Wednesday, reinforcing the message that the unpredictable monsoon weather makes day trips on small boats unsafe. An official warning suggested boats less than 10 metres in length should not put to sea. Larger vessels could also be at risk.


PHUKET: Missing boat crews in Phuket and Krabi have been found safe as residents and visitors were being warned of more threatening storms due to hit the Andaman coast on Wednesday.

Marine Police from Phuket responded to a May Day call at 1.40am today and plucked one Burmese man wearing a lifejacket from the sea then recovered three Thai men from Maithon Island, near Koh Hey.

The longtail boat they were using for crabbing is presumed to have sunk.

In Krabi yesterday, a similar May Day call led to the rescue of a man and three women by a rescue vessel sent from the Chaofa Marine Centre.

More dangerous storms are expected between now and Thursday with the prospect of rain on Phuket reckoned at 60-70 percent, waves forecast to be one to two metres, and winds of 20kmh.

But forecasters say Thursday and Friday should both be brighter, ending the week's bout of monsoon turbulence.