Bridge too far? Fresh from ‘White Lotus’ bounce, Thailand’s Samui questions need for road link
Koh Samui is experiencing a surge in tourism thanks to its selection as the location for HBO's "The White Lotus" season 3, featuring Thai-born K-pop star Lisa Manobal. This "Lisa" effect has significantly increased searches for hotels and holidays on the island, providing Thailand with valuable free publicity.
However, some locals express concern about the island's ability to handle the increased tourist volume, especially during peak season. To address accessibility issues, exploratory work has begun on the Samui Sea Bridge, a 54km road bridge connecting the island to the mainland. While intended to improve access, the bridge raises concerns about potentially altering Koh Samui's exclusivity and environmental impact, as it currently relies on ferries and a single airline, catering to higher-spending tourists.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Koh Samui is experiencing a surge in tourism thanks to its selection as the location for HBO's "The White Lotus" season 3, featuring Thai-born K-pop star Lisa Manobal. This "Lisa" effect has significantly increased searches for hotels and holidays on the island, providing Thailand with valuable free publicity.
However, some locals express concern about the island's ability to handle the increased tourist volume, especially during peak season. To address accessibility issues, exploratory work has begun on the Samui Sea Bridge, a 54km road bridge connecting the island to the mainland. While intended to improve access, the bridge raises concerns about potentially altering Koh Samui's exclusivity and environmental impact, as it currently relies on ferries and a single airline, catering to higher-spending tourists.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
