Thailand's Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department issued an urgent warning for people living on the Anadaman coast of six southern provinces to evacuate, the areas that would possibly be hit by tsunami starting from 5:09 p.m. local time, The Nation online reported.
Anusorn Kaewkangwal, director of the department, said residents of six coastal provinces, comprising Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Satun, Krabi and Trang, were told to clear the risky areas before 5 p.m. local time.
He said Koh Miang island of Phang Nga would be the first to be hit by tsunami at 5:09 p.m. local time.
Then, the giant waves would possibly hit touristic Karon and Patong beaches in Phuket and Phi Phi island in Krabi and Jao Mai and Paliang beaches in Trant. Ranong and Satun would be hit later, Anusorn said.
Moreover, the Phuket International Airport has been tempolarily closed due to tsunami warning, according to local media.