TRAT, Thailand – Heavy rain overnight sent flash floods rushing down from higher ground across parts of Koh Chang on September 26, sweeping a pickup truck into a canal and flooding roads in the White Sand Beach area. The pickup was carried into the canal near an alley beside the Santiya Dormitory in Koh Chang district after fast-moving runoff crossed a bridge. An elderly man was trapped inside the vehicle.
Koh Chang rescue workers reached the scene despite strong currents and safely pulled the man from the vehicle. A crane was later called in to recover the pickup from the canal. White Sand Beach, a major tourism and commercial area on the island, was also heavily affected. Floodwater covered the main road to depths of around 30–50 centimetres, with strong currents making travel difficult for smaller vehicles. Some residents and tourists moved away from vulnerable areas.
Police and district officials were deployed to manage traffic, assess conditions and warn residents and tourists to exercise caution. Water levels in some locations have stabilised or begun falling, but officials remain alert for further flash floods if heavy rain returns. Travel to Koh Mak and Koh Kood has also been affected by strong winds and high waves. Small passenger boats and speedboats have suspended services, while larger vessels operated by Boonsiri High Speed Ferries, Seua Dam, and Koh Kood Express continue operating depending on weather and safety conditions.
Boonsiri High Speed Ferries manager Atthaphon Klinthap said tourists can still travel to Koh Mak and Koh Kood, but must use larger passenger vessels while smaller boats and speedboats remain suspended. The company added an additional 3 p.m. service to Koh Mak on September 26 to accommodate tourists affected by the suspension of smaller vessels.
Some travellers arriving from Bangkok and other provinces reported heavy rain along the route to Trat, causing delays that could affect journey times and boat connections. The company said it was coordinating closely with affected passengers. Tourists travelling to Koh Mak and Koh Kood are advised to check weather conditions and boat schedules with operators before departure and follow all safety instructions.
