Surat Thani: More than 70,000 visitors to popular destinations are expected to bring in about 833 million baht during the long holiday next week, says Nanthawan Siripoksapat, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Surat Thani office.
An average spend of 3,121 baht per head per day is likely to be driven by a Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, scuba-diving near Koh Tao, easing of Covid-19 restrictions, and the government's "We Travel Together" scheme which offers savings on hotel bookings.
However, Mr Nanthawan said that high fuel prices may be a turn-off for some during the period which marks Asarnha Bucha on July 13 and Buddhist Lent on July 14.
Local operators said tourists began arriving in Surat Thani this weekend, with many having taken Monday and Tuesday off work to get a nine-day holiday.
Meanwhile, Apichart Limsuwan, mayor of tambon Koh Phangan, yesterday announced a new ferry service, Don Sak pier–Koh Phangan, is expected to be launched by the end of the month.
Mr Apichart said the local office has reached an agreement with Seatran Ferry Co to run four trips a day. Currently there is only one service operator.
Recently Koh Phangan was selected as the world's best destination for "workations" this year by the William Russell website, and the ranking is seen by locals as underscoring the island's potential to become a top destination.
Also, Surat Thani provincial authorities have decided to ask Seatran Ferry Co and Raja Ferry Co which operate services between Don Sak and Koh Sumui to maintain their fares for six months.
The proposal will be forwarded to various authorities for consideration.