Frantic locals and tourists stranded on Thai holiday island Koh Samui were today (Friday) stockpiling food as storm Pabuk approached the region.

Flights and boats to the island have been cancelled for the weekend, with many holidaymakers unable to leave as 22ft high waves and 100mph reach southern Thailand.

Thai authorities are on ''red alert'' for severe flooding and emergency supplies are being prepared for the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan amid fears the storm could wreak devastation.

Footage taken this morning (Fri) in Koh Samui shows waves battering the coast line while shelves at the island's main supermarket were bare.

Resident Suchat Hankit said: ''I'm not leaving. The storm is bad but my house is strong so I'll be safe.

''This is high season and it should be very busy but the streets are so quiet. Many people have left because they are afraid.''