Objections to island for the rich -
Jun 25, 2002
The private sector yesterday voiced support for the government's plan to
establish an independent body to manage tourism on Koh Chang, but warned
against discrimination against certain groups of tourists.
Sakon Sunet, the chairman of the Trat Tourism Association and the deputy
chairman of the Trat Chamber of Commerce, said the independent body would
coordinate all development efforts on the Koh Chang group.
"I agree with the idea because it will be a real driving force for the
development of Koh Chang and nearby localities," he said.
There are more than 50 islands in the Koh Chang group.
According to the government plan, tourism experts and local administrative
bodies will have a role in the new body, which will serve as a one-stop
service centre for tourism development.
For example, a company could seek a licence to operate ferry services to Koh
Chang from the committee instead of submitting applications to the Harbour
Department. The independent organisation would then cooperate with the
Harbour Department on the issue.
Sakon said the new body was likely to work like a public limited company
with CEO-style management.
However, he objected to the government's idea of targeting only certain
groups of tourists, particularly the rich. He said that the zoning plan
should identify which areas were for tourists seeking simplicity and which
were for the more luxury-minded.
"I also think we don't need a regulation to limit the number of tourists as
the room capacity at hotels and resorts will serve this purpose," Sakon
said.
Trat Provincial Administrative Organisation chairman Wichien Charoensap said
Koh Chang should be open to tourists with medium-sized budgets because
accommodation rates on Phuket were already unaffordable for many local
people.
"We've already lost Phuket, so please keep Koh Chang for Thais," he said.
PM's Office Minister Somsak Thapsutin has said that he wanted to make Koh
Chang a destination for high-end tourists because of the economic and
environmental advantages of exclusive development.
"Tourists with lots of money will enhance Koh Chang's economy. It will also
give Koh Chang a unique selling point. It will be totally unlike Koh Samui
where backpackers are everywhere," he said.
Public Health Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan said her ministry would cooperate
with tambon administrative organisations to develop medical services and
hygienic standards on the island.
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