Thousands Flock to Islands for 6-Day Holiday
As the holidays approach, thousands of eager tourists and their vehicles are boarding ferries to the beautiful islands of Ko Kut and Ko Chang off the eastern province of Trat. On Friday morning, at the Laem Sok boat pier in tambon Ao Yai, Muang district, travelers embarked on five ferries that departed one after another between 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM.
Officials from the Marine Department and the Navy’s Thailand Maritime Enforcement Command Centre were present at the pier to ensure safety during the boarding process.
Island Visitor Projections
Atthapol Klinthap, a ferry company manager, expects approximately 1,500 tourists to arrive at Ko Kut on Friday alone. During the entire six-day holiday period, around 4,000 visitors are predicted to flock to the island.
As for Ko Chang, tourists boarded ferries at the Ao Thammachart pier in tambon Khlong Yai of Muang district, with the first ferry leaving as early as 5:00 AM. Five ferries were moored on standby at the pier to accommodate the influx of tourists. According to Kittisak Rapinwong, the skipper of one of the ferries, around 5,000 tourists and about 2,000 cars are expected to visit Ko Chang during the holidays.
Ensuring Safety and Emergency Response
Rewat Phoriang, the director of the Zone 6 Marine Office, has set up a safety command center manned by officials around the clock to monitor the weather and dispatch rescue teams in case of boat accidents. This measure aims to ensure that both locals and tourists have a safe and enjoyable time exploring the islands.
A Promising Tourist Season
The impressive numbers of tourists heading to Ko Kut and Ko Chang are a testament to their appeal as idyllic holiday destinations. With picturesque landscapes, serene beaches, and a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, these islands are perfect for a relaxing getaway. As more tourists discover the charm of eastern Thailand’s islands, the region can look forward to a promising tourist season ahead.
