Storm Pabuk strikes Thailand beaches
Thailand's first tropical storm since 1989 has killed one person as it arrived whipping up high waves, uprooting trees and blowing off roofs in its path. Thousands of people had been evacuated ahead of the storm.
Gas production suspended
Thai state energy company PTT was forced to suspend operations at two of the country's biggest gas fields directly in the path of the storm in the Gulf of Thailand. PTT said its personnel were evacuated to shore.
Ferry services stopped
Thai authorities suspended ferry services connecting the popular tourist island of Koh Samui in Surat Thani province ahead of the storm. Seen here are waves whipped up by Storm Pabuk crashing into a ferry jetty in the province.
Thousands evacuated
Thai authorities said more than 6,100 people had been evacuated from Nakhon Si Thammarat — one of the worst hit provinces — as well as the provinces of Pattani, Songkhla and Yala. The storm's approach also sent tens of thousands of tourists fleeing the popular beach resorts.
Trail of destruction
Heavy downpours and winds of to 75 kilometers (47 miles) per hour knocked down trees and utility poles and blew off roofs. But Thai authorities said the storm was slowing and was expected to downgrade to be a tropical depression.
Flooded streets
Storm Pabuk made landfall in the Pak Phanang district of Nakhon Si Thammarat province. The accompanying wind churned up high waves that caused flooding in several places.