Warning "Tropical Storm “Mekkhala”" No. 1 (352/2551) Time Issued : September 29, 2008 At 7.00 a.m. today the depression in the middle South China Sea has developed to be Tropical Storm “Mekkhala”. At 11.00 a.m. Mekkhala was centered at lat 16.2 N, long 111.2 E or 220 km far from Danang, Vietnam with sustained wind 65 km/hr. It is moving northwestwards at a speed of 15 km/hr. It is expected to move near Hainan Island and turn to the bay of Tonkin, upper Vietnam. Torrential rain is likely over Thailand with heavy falls in many places of the North, Northeast, East and South. People in the risky areas along foothills and water ways especially of Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Uttaradit, Phetchabun, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chanthaburi, Trat, Ranong and Phangnga should beware of flooding conditions in the following 1-3 days. The rather strong southwest monsoon prevails over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf. Wave height is expected about 2 meters and above in thundershower areas. All ships should proceed with caution during 29 September — 1 October 2008. Thai Meteorological department (02) 398-9874