Red flags and no-swimming signs have been put up in front of hotels and resorts along the beaches in Takua Pa district of Phang-nga province on the Andaman Sea coast because of stormy seas that are sending up waves to 2-3 metres high.

Hotel and resort operators said thety are concerned with the safety of tourists who might get swept onto rocks or drown.

They have sent teams to patrol along the beaches and put up red flags and no-swimming signs. Flat-bottomed boats and lifebuoys have been placed along the beachs in case of emergency.

Sithichai Sakda, the Phangnga governor, said sky over Phang-nga is cloudy, with isolated heavy rain. Sea waves at Khao Lak, Thai Muang and Bang Sak beaches are 2-3 metres high.

He said people should stay tuned to weather forecasts of the Meteorological Department.