The Meteorological Department says Storm Surge will not be as severe as Cyclone Nargis if it occurs at the Gulf of Thailand.

Caretaker Director of the Weather Forecast Bureau under the Meteorological Department, Prawit Chaempanya (ประวิทย์ แจ่มปัญญา), says there is a possibility that a storm in the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea will move to the Gulf of Thailand but it will not be as strong as Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar. However, he says Storm Surge’s strength may be similar to Typhoons Gay and Linda which had previously hit Thailand.

According to Mr Prawit, Storm Surge may enter Thailand this winter but will not be severe, as cold air and dryness will weaken the storm. Storm Surge has occurred in Thailand three times. The caretaker director calls on people not to panic over the storm as the department will warn them 5 – 10 days in advance.

Source : National News Bureau, Public Relations Department of Thailand