The Foreign Ministry warned Israelis in Thailand and those planning to travel there in the near future about a typhoon expected to land in the south of the country on Friday evening, the first tropical storm to hit the area in three decades.

Thousands already in Thailand fled inland to seek shelter from the impending storm.

Tropical storm Pabuk approached southern Thailand with winds of up to 65 kph, bringing high waves ahead of its expected landfall on Friday. The winds churned up high waves throughout the Gulf of Thailand ahead of its

The Thai Meteorological Department warned of heavy downpours and strong winds in several provinces, including those with popular island destinations such as Phuket and Krabi.

Some hotel operators reported early checkouts, and said they were prepared.