A cruise liner embarked from Chon Buri with 1,800 tourists on board and made its way to Cambodia and Vietnam, before finally arriving on the picturesque shores of Koh Samui.

Witchawut Jintoe, the governor of Surat Thani, informed The Phuket Express that this week the COSTA SERENA cruise liner docked at the Na Thon Pier, bringing Thai and Asian tourists for a one-day trip. The governor said…

“They departed from the Laem Chabang Pier in Si Racha and then headed to Cambodia, then to Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam, and finally to Koh Samui.”

Once on Koh Samui, the tourists had the opportunity to explore various attractions. These included nature trails and temples. Tourists also swam in the sea, tried seafood and street food, and experienced the local way of life, Governor Witchawut said…

Governor Witchawut highlighted that since November of the previous year until now, Koh Samui has welcomed the arrival of at least 32 cruise liners. These visits contribute to the island’s tourism industry and provide an opportunity for visitors to discover the unique charm of this tropical paradise.

By Tara Abhasakun

Caption: Photo by the Phuket Express

Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/tourism/cruise-liner-with-1800-tourists-makes-its-way-to-koh-samui

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-05-26

Picture: Siam Rath

The prestigious Costa Serena cruise ship has dropped anchor at Nathon Pier, Koh Samui, delighting the hearts of more than 1,800 eager tourists.

Embarking on a memorable journey, visitors have the opportunity to indulge in a mesmerizing Samui beach trip. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking vistas of the glistening white sands, explore the island's abundant natural wonders, pay respects to revered Buddhist images, and relish the flavors of authentic community-style cuisine, reported Siam Rath.

Picture: Siam Rath

Having embarked on an illustrious journey from Cape Panwa, Thailand, the renowned Costa Serena cruise ship made enchanting stops at Sihanoukville, Cambodia, and Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam, before finally gracing the shores of Koh Samui.

Working in tandem, the local authorities, including the Koh Samui Municipal Office, the police, and the port authorities, ensured seamless operations and convenient travel arrangements for the passengers, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Picture: Siam Rath

Within this group of enthusiastic travelers, a multitude of exploration opportunities awaited, catering to a range of tastes and preferences.

From engaging in eco-tourism activities such as jungle trekking and temple visits to embracing the sheer beauty of the island's beaches and savoring the delectable flavors of seaside and local community cuisine, there was something to captivate every visitor.

Furthermore, the chance to acquire unique souvenirs and local products, including the exquisite offerings of the OTOP (One Tambon One Product) community, which showcased the region's rich traditional way of life, added an extra dimension of charm to the experience.

Picture: Siam Rath

Mr. Wichawut Jinto, the esteemed Governor of Surat Thani Province, expressed that since the gradual easing of the COVID-19 situation and the subsequent reopening of the country, foreign cruise ships have increasingly chosen to secure berths at Koh Samui.

Picture: Siam Rath

From late November 2021 onwards, no less than 32 cruise ships have graced the shores of Koh Samui throughout the year, with a consistent upward trend.

This remarkable development has had a profound impact on the local economy, generating significant income for local entrepreneurs and making substantial contributions to the overall tourism industry of the province.

Photo via Facebook

by leah

A dead body was found floating in the sea between Koh Samui on Koh Pha Ngan in Surat Thani province, southern Thailand, yesterday. The deceased appears to be a foreign woman, reports MGR Online.

Yesterday, the Facebook page “Chalerm Yord Phongsri” posted photos of a swollen body floating face down in the sea, wearing only underwear/swimwear, with the caption…

“I would like to inform the relevant authorities. [The corpse] was found in the middle of the sea near Haad Rin Beach. We were informed by boat operators. Location coordinates: 9.643881,100.017902”

MGR Online reports that the corpse appears to belong to a foreign woman. However, the deceased is yet to be formally identified.

After the news was posted on Facebook, Koh Samui Marine Police and officers from Koh Pha Ngan police station reported that they coordinated with rescue services to have the body retrieved from the sea.

Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/samui/body-found-floating-near-koh-samui-thailand

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-05-05

Catherine and John Yates leave Portsmouth Coroner's Court yesterday. Picture courtesy of the Daily Mail.

by Bob Scott

A fun-loving, “fiercely independent” teenager from the United Kingdom died after taking drugs at a Full Moon party in Thailand an inquest heard. A UK coroner yesterday determined that the 18 year old woman from Winchester died by misadventure after taking ecstasy while backpacking in Thailand.

The teenager, Eleanor Yates, was found dead in her bed in the Ko Pha Ngan district on February 19 last year.

The inquest, at Portsmouth Coroners’ Court yesterday, heard that she had been travelling extensively in her gap year. She planned to go to the University of Bristol to study film, the Daily Mail reported.

The 18 year old had attended a Full Moon party on February 17. The inquest heard that she had taken an ecstasy tablet, also known as MDMA.

However, she was found dead at 9am on February 19.

The inquest revealed that a post-mortem examination conducted by consultant pathologist Dr Adnan Al-Badri showed that the cause of death was MDMA toxicity resulting in cardiac arrest.

Melissa Damsgaard, who had been travelling with Eleanor revealed that six of them went to the Full Moon party on February 17.

Full story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/drugs/fun-loving-uk-teenager-dies-after-taking-drugs-at-full-moon-party-in-thailand-inquest-reveals

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-05-05

PHOTO: Naew Na

By Goongnang Suksawat

Pha Ngan Island, Surat Thani – A Ukrainian man was arrested for allegedly illegally working for a motorbike rental operator on Pha Ngan Island.

Surat Thani Immigration Officers told the Phuket Express today (May 6th) that they have arrested a 45-year-old Ukrainian man on Thursday (May 4th) which was the day the Full Moon Party was held. He was arrested at a public parking area where 23 rental motorbikes were parked.

Officers found that the Ukrainian man entered Thailand via Satun Immigration. His visa is valid until May 18th, 2023. He did not have a work permit.

Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2023/05/06/ukrainian-arrested-for-illegally-working-on-pha-ngan-island/

Picture: Siam Rath

Siam Rath reported that one of the Raja ferry company's passenger ferries listed and half sank in heavy seas at the Donsak port on the mainland in Surat Thani, southern Thailand.

The incident happened after passengers and crew had disembarked so there were no deaths or injuries.

Picture: Siam Rath

The 2005 ton vessel is used to take passengers to and from Koh Samui.

It tilted in 5-6 meter deep water at the port.

Picture: Siam Rath

The media said it had apparently hit something solid under the water.

It was carrying a lot of fuel and lubricant oil but there were no reports of a spillage.

Picture: Siam Rath

Elsewhere in Thailand's print media an Interior Ministry spokesman admitted the accident saying that other ferry services continued unaffected.

Picture: Siam Rath

By Goongnang Suksawat

Donsak, Surat Thani-An oil stain was found on a beach in Donsak after a Samui ferry was partially submerged.

The Surat Thani Public Relations Office told the Phuket Express that earlier this week they were notified that an oil stain was found in the sea and on Nang Kam Beach in Donsak after oil leaked from the Samui ferry which was partially submerged.

The ferry company was informed before their staffers were sent to clean up oil on the beach. 

Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2023/04/20/oil-found-on-beach-after-samui-ferry-partially-submerged/