Exciting developments are on the horizon for Koh Samui as government officials, led by Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, discuss critical infrastructure projects to boost tourism and improve local services. The delegation, welcomed by Deputy Mayor Supinya Srithongkul, is planning a new cruise terminal and wastewater management systems to enhance this tropical paradise.
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Purpose of the Delegation’s Visit
On March 8, 2025, a high-level government delegation, led by Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Spokesperson of the Office of the Prime Minister, visited Koh Samui City Municipality. The visit aimed to monitor and evaluate critical municipal projects, particularly in the areas of wastewater management, future cruise terminal construction, and the operational challenges faced by the Tourist Police in Surat Thani Province. The delegation was welcomed by Koh Samui’s Deputy Mayor, Ms. Supinya Srithongkul, representing Mr. Ramnet Jaikwang, Mayor of Koh Samui City.
Attendees and Stakeholders
The event saw a wide array of key stakeholders in attendance including:
– Surat Thani Public Relations Office
– Director of Surat Thani Public Radio Station
– Surat Thani Provincial Administrative Organization Council members
– Director of the Koh Samui Regional Marine Office
– Koh Samui district chief officer
– Municipal council members
– Deputy municipal clerks
– Heads of government departments
– Municipal staff
– Media representatives
This gathering provided a platform for multi-sector collaboration and information sharing on local developmental progress and challenges.
Progress in Wastewater Management
Overview of Existing Facilities
Koh Samui City Municipality has been proactive in addressing wastewater management, a vital concern for an island with a rapidly growing tourism industry. The municipality currently operates three major large-scale wastewater treatment plants:
1. Lamai Community, Maret Subdistrict
– Capacity: 8,600 cubic meters per day
2. Chaweng Community, Bo Phut Subdistrict
– Capacity: 6,000 cubic meters per day
3. Nathon Community, Ang Thong Subdistrict
– Capacity: 2,400 cubic meters per day
Additionally, there are five smaller treatment systems distributed across the Chaweng Swamp area, with a combined capacity of 1,000 cubic meters per day, serving neighborhoods such as Talad Dao, HomePro Soi, Wat Sawang Arom, opposite Soi Yadang, and in front of Phra Phutthabat Khao Hua Chuk.
Ongoing and Upcoming Projects
Construction is underway for a new wastewater treatment plant in the Mae Nam community, which will add a further 100 cubic meters per day to the island’s treatment capacity. There are also plans, funded by the Environmental Fund, for a new treatment plant in the Bo Phut community.
Capacity Building and Community Engagement
The Municipal Sanitation Division has initiated ongoing training and awareness campaigns for business operators, communities, and educational institutions. This includes guidance on basic wastewater treatment techniques and the installation of grease traps to combat pollution at the source. The goal is to foster a culture of environmental responsibility among residents and the private sector, emphasizing sustainable water quality management.
Cruise Terminal Construction Project
Strategic Importance
The Director of the Koh Samui Regional Marine Office presented updates on the feasibility study and survey for a new cruise terminal at Laem Hin Khom, Taling Ngam Subdistrict. This infrastructure project is designed to cater to large cruise ships, enabling Koh Samui to meet the demands of international tourism and integrate more fully with global cruise itineraries.
National and Local Economic Goals
The cruise terminal is a part of Thailand’s national strategy to boost economic competitiveness and promote water-based tourism. Koh Samui’s strategic location and popularity as a tourist destination make it a prime candidate for such development. The expected benefits include increased tourist arrivals, higher local income, and enhanced business opportunities across the hospitality, transportation, and retail sectors.
Challenges Faced by Tourist Police
Overview of Issues
Police Major General Phoppol Jakkapak, Commander of Tourist Police Division 3, detailed the operational challenges encountered on Koh Samui, Koh Pha-ngan, and Koh Tao. Core issues include ensuring comprehensive tourist safety and the need for increased cross-sector collaboration to address crime prevention, emergency response, and public information dissemination.
Policy Directives and Solutions
Guidelines issued by the delegation emphasized the strategic development of tourist infrastructure, efficiency improvements for the Tourist Police, and sustainable management of the island’s natural resources. The focus is on fostering a secure and enjoyable environment for both domestic and international visitors.
Field Inspection and Ongoing Monitoring
Following the meeting, representatives visited the future cruise terminal site at Laem Hin Khom to inspect project progress and discuss further steps with local officials. Such field inspections underscore the government’s commitment to hands-on oversight and stakeholder engagement in regional development projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main infrastructure projects discussed during the government delegation’s visit to Koh Samui?
The government delegation, led by Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, focused on two critical infrastructure projects: the development of a new cruise terminal at Laem Hin Khom and the enhancement of wastewater management systems. These projects aim to support sustainable tourism growth, improve local services, and ensure Koh Samui remains a competitive international travel destination.
How is Koh Samui improving its wastewater management to support tourism and environmental sustainability?
Koh Samui City Municipality has invested in several large-scale wastewater treatment plants located in Lamai, Chaweng, and Nathon communities, with additional smaller systems in the Chaweng Swamp area. Ongoing projects include a new facility in Mae Nam and plans for another in Bo Phut, backed by the Environmental Fund. The municipality is also running community training and awareness campaigns to promote responsible water use and pollution prevention among residents and businesses.
Why is the construction of a new cruise terminal considered important for Koh Samui’s future?
The cruise terminal project is integral to Thailand’s national strategy for enhancing economic competitiveness and promoting water-based tourism. By enabling Koh Samui to accommodate large international cruise ships, the terminal is expected to increase tourist arrivals, generate higher local income, and create new business opportunities in hospitality, transportation, and retail—benefiting the entire island community.
