Thailand: Tropical storm weakens after thrashing south

Thailand’s most powerful tropical storm in decades has weakened after strong wind and flash floods disrupted oil production and flights, leaving thousands of tourists stranded near the nation’s southern beaches. Wind from tropical storm Pabuk slowed to 55 kilometers per hour (34 mph) from 65 kph Saturday before crossing the peninsula to the Andaman Sea at 9 a.m. Bangkok time, the Meteorological Department said. Bangkok Airways resumed flying on Saturday between Bangkok and Koh Samui to pick up stranded passengers after suspending flights on Friday, according to an airline statement. The storm disrupted the peak period for the Thai tourism industry, which makes up for about a quarter of the country’s economy. Overseas visitor numbers had only just recovered after a slump following a tour boat accident off Phuket in July that killed dozens of Chinese holidaymakers.<br/>