This is the terrifying moment powerful waves battered boats taking tourists to a Thai island.

Footage shows holidaymakers in life jackets clinging tightly to the watercraft as they navigated rough waters around Ko Lanta in Krabi province on January 13.

In another clip, vacationers were seen trying to balance themselves while others sat on a pontoon, bracing against the force of the surging waves.

The Thai Meteorological Agency reported that the northeast monsoon was prevailing over the Gulf of Thailand, southern Thailand, and the Andaman Sea. The weather system was forecasted to churn up waves up to 10ft until January 18.

Local authorities temporarily banned swimming and tourist boats at Koh Phi Phi due to strong winds and rough seas the following day.

Red flags were placed along beaches in several tourist areas to ensure visitor safety.
Additionally, rescuers, life-saving equipment, and patrol boats were on standby to provide immediate assistance in case of any incidents.

The Southern Meteorological Centre (West Coast) issued a warning about a strong northeastern monsoon covering the Gulf of Thailand, the southern region, and the Andaman Sea.

This weather pattern is causing heavy rain in some areas of the south.

In the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, waves are expected to be strong, reaching 6.6–13 ft (2 to 4 m), or over 13 ft (4 m) in areas with thunderstorms.