Okay, I think I'm ready to deal with the situation.
Pam and I are looking into getting off this island and heading..... I don't know..... I guess to Bangkok.... then maybe a little further north (out of the chaos of Bangkok). First things first, ferry to Surat Thani... that will be the easy part. It's getting back to Bangkok that will be hard. Only one train per day and the buses suck. 15 hour journey.
Travel officals here are suggesting that everyone on this island stay put. The transportation infrastructure is saturated with people headed to Bangkok. This island is completely full, no more room left, as is Koh Samui to the south and Koh Tao to the north.
Unfortunately, if you were not on one of the islands that was hit, you get no priority. It's understandable, but frustrating. I have registered with the U.S. Embassy here and I have e-mailed the emergency CDC (Centers for Disease Control) hotline e-mail address asking about the likelihood of disease spreading this far.
I'll keep everyone updated.
Sorry for not updating sooner.
Thanks for your prayers.
******
Update!!!!!
I have successfully booked transport back to Bangkok. I leave in two days.... on the 1st of January.