Thailand beefs up security on Koh Samui island for festival

Police have stepped up security measures on Koh Samui island in preparation for the Songkran festival, when large number of travelers are expected to visit the popular island in the Gulf of Thailand.

Koh Samui marine police inspector Pol. Lt. Col. Akrawat Sitanabun-ubon confirmed on Monday that security measures are being taken not only on Koh Samui and the nearby Koh Pa-ngan islands off Surat Thani province in southern Thailand, but also on the shores where a dozen boats ferry passengers to the islands at a 30-minute interval.

"We've stepped up measures for the safety of all visitors to Koh Samui and Koh Pa-ngan, especially during the approaching Songkran holiday. While the ferry boats have been assured of good working condition, we're seeing to it that suspicious-looking persons, vehicles or any cargoes on board will be thoroughly examined and put away," said the police inspector.

He said all the ferry boats, speed boats and scooters as well as crew members have been thoroughly checked for safety reasons, with life jackets and life boats being readily available on board.

The owners and operators of hotels, resort units, restaurants and other accommodations on the tourist islands have made preparations to help the authorities in coping with possibilities of any untoward incident, according to the head of the local marine police.

A large number of Chinese tourists are expected to join Songkran revelers on the world-renowned tropical islands besides the Europeans and other foreigners, who look to enjoy the five-day festive season alongside the Thais.

In addition to the major tourist destinations in the Gulf of Thailand, Phuket island and Thai archipelagos in the Andaman Sea are also attracting a large number of visitors during the water-splashing festival. Endit