DESPITE a social media post saying that Koh Samui has turned into a deserted island with there now being hardly any tourists around and illustrating this claim with photos showing a deserted beach and closed shops, the island’s authorities and local people jumped in to say this is far from the truth with Thai and foreign tourists still coming to the island, Khao Sod reported today (Sept. 14, 2020).
That this internationally-famous island is still attracting visitors was underscored by Bangkok Airways and the ferry services having to add extra flights and trips to the mainland respectively during the long weekend earlier this month.
Mr. San Thongsuk, a local resident, said Koh Samui should not be presented as a deserted island. The pictures shared, of parts of Chaweng beach and Bophut district, only showed some areas which are not yet ready to open for service and in fact there are many places at this island city to visit.
More importantly, this is a very good time to visit Koh Samui because the sea is very beautiful right now and the local people are eager to welcome all tourists, he said, adding that he hoped lots of tourists travel to the island.
A local reporter added that the island’s authorities and private agencies are getting ready to present “Samui Bubble Model” project to the government as means to promote this destination to foreign tourists to come and visit and stimulate the economy that has stagnated through the Covid-19 pandemic.
CAPTION:
The pictures that local people say present a slated view of Koh Samui. Photos: Khaosod.
