UPDATE
POWER was being restored intermittently across Phuket from around 8pm. Initial reports say a cable fault caused the massive blackout. Readers said areas of Phuket's south and Thailand's south remained in darkness. Phuket radio station 91.5 FM managed to return to the air and was making community service announcements.
Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand official Thatri Rewcharoen says the blackout was triggered by the failure of the main high voltage transmission line connecting the south to the central region, AP reported. He said power was restored in some areas within about an hour, but it was expected to take at least three hours for a full recovery. Late tonight, Samui and Phangan islands were still in darkness.
Original Report
PHUKET: The holiday island of Phuket and all of Thailand's 13 other southern provinces were plunged into total darkness by a widespread power failure tonight.
The electricity failed about 7pm, causing chaos in parts of Phuket and concerns about the safety of people in darkened streets.
Thousands of tourists in resorts on Phuket and all over the region would have suddenly found themselves in blackness.
The Director of Phuket's Provincial Power Authority, Somchai Kerpert, said there was no explanation but the power failure was general across Thailand's entire south.
Hospitals are believed to all have auxillary power but restaurants, retail outlets and many other premises faced the prospect of refrigerators failing and other malfunctions.
Ambulances are expected to be called out as the blackout continues, with roads unlit.
In Phuket City, residents turned out onto the streets and sat waiting for light to return. Some turned on the lights of their cars for comfort - a short-term solution.
At Bangkok Hospital Phuket in Phuket City, the half-darkened hospital continued to operate - but a female shop assistant was locked in a convenience store by an automatic door that would not operate.
In Patong - central nightlife hub for Phuket's tourists - nightclub manager Prab Keesin said he was concerned for the safety of people caught out by the power failure.
Khon Kaen too for about 15 minutes
Posted by larry on May 21, 2013 19:42