29 June  -  It's around 9 months since the high speed catamaran service between the mainland, Koh Chang and Koh Mak should have begun.  After a few changes to specifications & designs the boat is now nearing completion in a Pattaya boatyard, where this photo was taken, and should begin service this coming October and run daily thoughout the year.

Koh Chang Carbon Traders Ltd (formerly Lek's Charcoal and Noodles) recently opened their doors in Kai Bae, providing locals with the tools for creating a comprehensive carbon trading or carbon management strategy for their business or home. Don't run short and keep an adequate supply "just in case", that's the message from Lek who has seen how the price of oil has risen 100% in under 12 months and predicts the same will happen to Carbon.   But at present there is an over supply of Carbon, a raw form of Charcoal, so why not take advantage of the great opening offers this week at Koh Chang Carbon Traders Ltd and stock up for the future.  Below, a sneak peek inside the vault:  

Plots of Land for Housing.  From under 500,000 baht with Chanote title. Long lease available for foreign buyers. 10 mins walk to local shops & ATM, 10 minutes drive to White Sand beach. 40% of plots already sold. Remaining plots have mountain views but two riverfront plots still available.  Construction service, choose from a selection of house plans offered by the developer or build your own house. Photos, prices etc

Large West Coast Resort For Sale. Well known luxury resort with over 60 rooms situated on 13 Rai of land. 2 F&B outlets, Meeting room, swimming pool, Parking spaces for over 30 vehicles, 950sqm Spa and Fitness area plus sauna/jacuzzi. 76% occupancy rate in 2007-08 High Season with room rates averaging 2,300 baht/night. Agency agreements with over 700 travel and tour agencies worldwide including Go Vacation (LTU), Agoda, Sawadee, AsianTrails, TransOrient. Scandinavian & German visitors comprise 50% of guests. Price: 195 million baht.  If you're interested email me and I'll put you in contact with the owner.

Red Sea. Why's the sea a murky red/ brown in some areas? You get long stretches where the wave crests are white, then a brief stretch where the water and crests turn to an odd colour.  Our neighbour's kid reckons it doesn't taste very nice either. (Well I wasn't going to try it.)

New hotel booking partner program.  Ido24.com is a new affiliate program for anyone with a tourist related website, not necessarily for Koh Chang but for pretty much any location in Thailand.  It's an alternative to Agoda, Sawadee etc.  The only reason I mention it is that the company who owns it also owns a couple of hotels here on Koh Chang.  Take a look if you have a travel site

Focus on Safety.  Koh Chang and Koh Mak are currently locked in a battle that will decide which is the safest island for visitors.  Which island will 'out-safe' the other?

Down on Koh Mak, a new paved road has been laid from Makathanee to Goodtime Resort and Fantasia to Koh Mak Villa.  Thus making life easier for people not wanting to get covered in red dust or mud whilst riding their rental scooters. But the island still lacks road signs - unlike Koh Chang.  Here, I just noticed that the local authorities seemed to have got hold of a job lot of 'No overtaking' signs while I was away . . .

These signs have been placed at locations where no one in their right mind would overtake such as on a blind, downhill left hand corner.  Nice idea but the type of person that overtakes on corners such as these - where the double yellow lines also hint that it might not be a good idea, probably doesn't pay much attention to road signs.

So, score one for Koh Chang. But out at sea, swimmers on Koh Chang are left to their own devices.  Get into difficulties and you'd better hope that there's someone on the beach willing to rush into the water to save you as there's no lifeguard service of any kind.  Things are a little different on Koh Mak, where a new Emergency Rescue Centre is currently being set up in preparation for next high season.  The building below, in Ao Nid, will be rebuilt as the HQ.

Beachguards will be employed and trained in life saving techniques and First Aid and will be on patrol on the beaches and on call around the clock.  Equipment at the centre will include: Buoys and Ring Buoys, Life Jackets, Oxygen Tank, Rescue Board, Surfboard, Rescue craft, Scuba Gear, Spinal board, Collar, Head Immobilizer, Restraints, First Aid Kits, Dive Lights, Heavy Duty Lights, Walky Talkies, Hospital bed, Wheelchair etc.  All paid for by private donations and sponsorship.