"Ao Tan Koo" is experiencing strong waves and winds. The Subdistrict Administrative Organization has placed red flags along nearly 200 meters of the beach to warn tourists against swimming. Vendors complain of lost income after being unable to open their shops for over a week, with some stores also damaged by wind.
On 20 Aug 2026 GMT+7, reporters surveyed the situation at Ao Tan Koo beach, Bang Pit Subdistrict, Laem Ngop District, Trat Province. They found the sea waves and winds were strong, continuously crashing ashore. This severely affected beachfront vendors, forcing some to temporarily close. Visitors at Ao Tan Koo during this period could not swim and only stood at the shoreline. Meanwhile, the Bang Pit Subdistrict Administrative Organization had placed red flags at five points along nearly 200 meters of the beach.
Ms. Oranong Jintakanon, 58, owner of Kiang Talay, revealed that strong waves and winds are normal during the monsoon season every year. However, this year the storms and winds are noticeably stronger, causing her shop to remain closed for more than a week because the strong winds prevent tourists from dining comfortably.
Besides lost income, the unstable weather has caused damage to buildings. Some shop roofs were destroyed by storm winds, prompting Ms. Oranong to vigilantly monitor and protect her property. She also continuously follows weather warnings from the Meteorological Department, which has issued alerts for strong waves and winds until 21 Aug. She is also watching for any new warnings.
Ms. Oranong added that Ao Tan Koo beach is currently in the low tourist season, when visitor numbers are already sparse. Normally, tourism picks up again from October through early next year.
Given the current strong waves and winds, local authorities have posted red flags to strictly prohibit tourists and the public from swimming, due to fears of life-threatening dangers.