Phuket beaches closed due to high sea waves

Bangkok, May 20: High sea waves unleashed by stormy monsoon weather have forced authorities to temporarily close down the beaches in Thailand's world famous Andaman Sea resort of Phuket.

Swimming and wading in the water has been banned with tourists and local residents asked to move to higher ground as three to four metre-high waves pound the coast.

The waves have damaged beachside shops and restaurants, washing away the foundations.

Weather officials attribute the unusual waves to normal tides and strong monsoon winds.

According to reports from Phuket, local residents said the waves were the highest they had seen since the December 2004 tsunami.

UNI