Koh Kood tourism group urges visitor limits to protect island from overcrowding

TRAT – The head of the Koh Kood Tourism Association has called on the government and private operators to manage visitor numbers on the island, warning that rapid tourism growth could put pressure on its natural resources and exceed its capacity during the high season.

Plubplueng Permsap, the association’s president, said tourism on Koh Kood had expanded significantly since the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly among Thai visitors and Europeans who stay for extended periods.

Improved transport links and infrastructure have made the island more accessible, with four to five ferry operators providing services and songthaews transporting visitors to their accommodation. However, the growing number of tourists during peak periods has raised concerns about overcrowding at hotels, restaurants and natural attractions.

Plubplueng warned that allowing too many visitors onto the island could damage the environment and undermine the qualities that make Koh Kood attractive.

She urged ferry operators to consider adjusting their sailing schedules to keep visitor numbers at a manageable level, saying the island should avoid the situation faced by other popular destinations that eventually had to impose entry limits.

The association also wants Koh Kood to develop as a “premium island” destination, moving beyond repetitive activities such as snorkelling, squid fishing and beach visits.

Plubplueng said the island could offer more environmentally responsible experiences by highlighting its natural forests, which cover an estimated 80-90% of its area, as well as local lifestyles and culture. Suggested activities include community-based homestays and opportunities for visitors to experience local food and traditions.

She called on the Tourism Authority of Thailand and other relevant agencies to support quality-focused tourism marketing rather than prioritising visitor numbers, targeting higher-spending travellers who respect local communities and the environment.

The island’s tourism industry also faces uncertainty from international conflicts and economic conditions in Europe, she said.

France and Russia are among its important visitor markets, while prolonged protests and economic difficulties in European countries, as well as the Russia-Ukraine war, have affected travel demand.

Plubplueng also expressed concern that escalating conflict in the Middle East could further disrupt tourism to Thailand and Koh Kood.