GULF OF THAILAND (KOH SAMUI, KOH PHANGAN, KOH TAO, ANG THONG ISLANDS)

Koh Samui: boating safety

Last verified:

Koh Samui is the main island base for sailing and charter in the western Gulf of Thailand. Typical cruising covers Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and the Ang Thong archipelago.

LIFE IN DANGER AT SEA
Call 1465
Call Thai-MECC (ศรชล.) on 1465. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF 16, or DSC on channel 70.

Thailand: all rescue numbers → On the rescue map → Print an emergency card →

Weather

The Thai Meteorological Department publishes a daily 24-hour weather forecast for shipping with a separate section for the Gulf of Thailand (winds in knots and wave heights).

Thai Meteorological Department ▾
tmd.go.th (2026-10-14): “24-Hour Weather Forecast for Shipping The Gulf of Thailand”

Hazards

When the northeast monsoon strengthens over the Gulf, the Thai Meteorological Department issues strong wind-wave advisories with waves of 2–3 m or more and tells small boats in the Gulf to stay ashore.

Thai Meteorological Department ▾
tmd.go.th (2026-10-14): “All ships should proceed with caution and keep off thundershowers. Small boats in the Gulf should keep ashore during 27-28 January 2025.”

Hospital and medical

Bangkok Hospital Samui has a trauma and emergency department providing 24-hour emergency care and 24-hour evacuation of critically ill patients.

Bangkok Hospital Samui ▾
bangkokhospitalsamui.com (2026-10-14): “Emergency Room Service Providing 24-hour emergency care for patients with accidents 24-hour evacuation of critically ill patients (Emergency Medical Service)”

Frequently asked

Who do I call in an emergency at sea near Koh Samui?

Call Thai-MECC (ศรชล.) on 1465. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.

Where do I get the marine forecast for Koh Samui?

The Thai Meteorological Department publishes a daily 24-hour weather forecast for shipping with a separate section for the Gulf of Thailand (winds in knots and wave heights).

Read before you sail

Thunderstorms, lightning and squalls on the water: what to doCold water shock and hypothermia: what to doPerson overboard: what to doEngine failure: what to do when you lose powerChartering in Thailand: licence & rules

Nearby destinations

Phuket 147 nmLangkawi 198 nmPenang 247 nmSingapore (Keppel Bay & Sentosa) 550 nmHong Kong (Victoria Harbour & Sai Kung) Hong KongEl Nido / Palawan PhilippinesBali — Benoa IndonesiaLabuan Bajo / Komodo Indonesia

Local rules change. Spotted something out of date? support@vesselsos.com