Stranded tourists in Thailand rescued by navy
Thailand’s navy has used helicopters and an aircraft carrier to rescue more than 800 tourists stranded by heavy rains on the country’s picturesque southern islands.
Torrential rains for nearly a week have caused flooding and landslides that have killed at least 17 Thais and cut normal ferry and plane services to popular islands.
The Royal Thai Navy said more than 700 travellers were transported from the island of Koh Tao to the mainland aboard the helicopter carrier, the Chakri Naruebet.
The navy also rescued more than 100 other tourists from nearby islands including Koh Phangan. The island is best known for its raucous monthly Full Moon Party.
Thailand’s weather bureau forecast the rain would stop this weekend.
