Footage shows hundreds of stranded tourists at an airport in Koh Samui, Thailand, as tropical storm Pabuk approaches the region.

Flights to the island were cancelled - as well as boats - leaving thousands of holidaymakers who haven't fled the popular island stranded.

The region was today braced for 22ft high waves and winds of up to 100mpg as the storm makes its way across the Gulf of Thailand.

Bangkok Airways - the only carrier that operates flights to the island - said on Thursday (03/01) that it decided to suspend the service due to forecasts of gusty winds and heavy rain in the Gulf of Thailand.

Many holidaymakers are stranded on the island, as well as local residents.

Weather experts are unsure of where the eye of the storm will hit, but it is expected to be between the provinces of Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat on Thailand's south coast.

The islands of Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan are directly in front that coastline.

Alan Atkinson, a British expat who works alongside the Royal Thai Police in Chumphon province, said today (Fri) that authorities along the coast were on ''red alert''.

He said: ''Anyone who hasn't already left is stuck. They'll have to ride it out for the next few days.

''The storm could bring devastation, the likes of which haven't been seen here for more than half a century.

''We're prepared for the worst. There are no boats leaving the islands and no aeroplanes. We've had instructions to prepare emergency supplies.''