Samet’s future worries locals
Island’s tourism operators predict incomes will halve
RAYONG: Tourism operators on Koh Samet have expressed concerns over the resort island’s future after parts of it were severely affected by Saturday’s crude oil leakage.
Prapan Sukrachang, chairman of Samet Passenger Bus Service Club, said tourists could change their destinations after the oil leak hit Ao Phrao, the island’s prime tourist spot. ‘‘We expect the island’s tourist income to halve,’’ he said.
‘‘It could take several months for the situation to return to normal,’’ he added. ‘‘If Koh Samet can’t recover [from this crisis], Rayong province will suffer big economic losses as well.’’
A large number of tourists have cancelled hotel and resort bookings on Koh Samet since the oil slick washed ashore on Sunday night.
Pariya Tantakasem, owner of Samed Cabana resort, said many reservations have been cancelled and bookings are now down 50%.
‘‘I am busy with answering international calls over the situation,’’ he said. ‘‘Tourists are not certain whether our resort and beach will be safe following the oil slick. Many of them have cancelled their trips to Samet.
‘‘We would normally have full occupancy through next month.’’
Janjira Sangsuwan, an owner of White Sand Resort on Sai Kaew beach in the east of Koh Samet, said a large group of Chinese tourists booked to stay there had postponed their trip even though that part of the island has not been hit by the oil spill.
‘‘Although we haven’t been directly affected, [the Chinese tourists] are still concerned over the quality of water as a large amount of chemicals has been used to disperse the oil slick,’’ she said.
‘‘They want to be sure they will be safe if they come here.’’ Ms Janjira expressed concerns over the long-term effects of the incident, which has dented the island’s reputation.
Meanwhile, Koh Samet Local Administrative Organisation chairman Mongkol Bhosaeng said media coverage had worsened the situation.
‘‘The problem is news coverage. Most people believe the whole island is inundated by the oil slick, which is not true,’’ he said. ‘‘Only Ao Phrao beach has been hit. ‘‘It will take time to get the message across that the damage is limited to only one place.’’
Mr Mongkol said his network was closely monitoring each beach and insisted most of them are still fine. At least three resorts in Ao Phrao have closed temporarily.