Downpours, choppy seas ahead of storm Pabuk's arrival in Thailand

Southern Thailand experienced heavy rains, high waves and gusty winds in the days ahead of tropical storm Pabuk's landfall, expected late on Friday. As Pabuk approached with winds of up to 65 kph (40 mph) on Thursday, flights to and from Koh Samui were cancelled, beach resorts battened down and offshore oil rigs evacuated.