Sun City operator may invest in Koh Chang -
Dec 17, 2002
The operator of Sun City, the
famous holiday resort in South Africa, is among the many foreign investors
interested in Koh Chang and surrounding islands which the government aims to
develop into a high-end tourist destination, said the governor of Trat
province. Governor Somboon Ngamlak said the Muang Thong Thani complex, which
is majority-owned by the Kanjanapas family and owns Kradad Island near Koh
Chang, has contacted Sun City about the possibility of investing in Koh
Chang.
"They are interested in investing here. However, there are many issues to
negotiate with the government such as tax, the electricity and water
systems, and other facilities," Somboon said. In addition, "two or three" US
investors are exploring the possibility of investing in the CP Group's White
Sand Island, also near Koh Chang, he said.
Koh Chang - Thailand's second-largest island after Phuket - is surrounded by
50 islands. Koh Chang is mainly controlled by the Forestry Department, but
it is uncertain who owns many of the other islands nearby, said the
governor. He said the government was expected to amend a new law concerning
development of Koh Chang.
"The law is expected to be amended within two months," he said.
According to the law, the island is to be managed by an executive board,
similar to those that manage state enterprises such as Thai Airways
International.
"It will be an independent organisation … to manage the islands," he said.
In 2001, about 300,000 tourists visited Koh Chang. The number is expected to
rise to 500,000 this year.
While the majority of these visitors are budget travellers or backpackers,
the government wants to develop the island into a world-class destination
catering to "high-yield" tourists, the governor said.
Private airline Bangkok Airways will soon open the first airport in Trat
province and will operate direct flights from Bangkok.
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