On the Thai island of Koh Samui, the bustling beachfront is a hive of activity. Vendors set up tables laden with souvenirs and sunglasses, while staff outside massage shops and restaurants beckon to passersby, hoping to attract tourists. The island's economy heavily relies on tourism, and the prospect of increased visitors due to its feature in the third season of the popular series *The White Lotus* is a welcome development for local businesses.
Filming has been underway this year at the luxurious Four Seasons hotel, nestled amidst tropical forests with stunning views over the Gulf of Thailand. The presence of actors such as Walton Goggins, Aimee Lou Wood, and Francesca Corney has already created a buzz, with local restaurants sharing their encounters on social media. Fans of Thai singer Lisa Manobal from the K-pop group Blackpink have been particularly active in tracking filming locations online.
Sawan Haatongchai, a massage shop worker in Samui's Fishermen's Village, noted that while tourist numbers have rebounded post-pandemic, spending habits have shifted. He believes the promotion from *The White Lotus* could provide a much-needed boost. However, this surge in tourism comes with significant environmental concerns.
Rapid development on Samui has strained the island's natural resources. The proliferation of luxury hotels and golf courses has depleted water supplies, and speedboats and beach parties have driven away marine life. New villa constructions, sometimes violating building regulations, have raised fears of landslides and flooding. The influx of tourists and workers has also led to an enormous increase in waste.
Dr. Kannapa Pongponrat Chieochan, an assistant professor at Thammasat University and a native of the island, emphasized the need for a serious dialogue between local authorities and the community to address these issues. She pointed to the example of Maya Bay, made famous by the 2000 film *The Beach*, which had to be closed to tourists for over three years due to environmental degradation.
The impact of *The White Lotus* on its filming locations has been profound. The Four Seasons Resort Maui in Hawaii, featured in the first season, saw a 425% increase in web traffic. Sicily, showcased in the second season, experienced a similar surge in demand. The Four Seasons Samui now charges around £900 per night for a villa, excluding additional fees.
Beyond Samui's pristine beaches lies a stark reminder of the environmental cost of tourism: a 150,000-tonne landfill, the result of a decade-old incinerator breakdown. Despite local authorities' efforts to reduce the pile by half, the problem persists, with residents reporting groundwater contamination.
Deputy Mayor Sutham Samthong stated that measures are being taken to address environmental concerns, including educating hotel staff and locals about waste management and enforcing development controls. However, Panithan Boonsa, chair of the Samui Local Tourism Association, argued that development should slow down to protect the island's finite resources. The pandemic highlighted the benefits of reduced human activity, with less pollution and the return of sea turtles to the beaches.
The island's water supply is another pressing issue. Despite a daily need of 30,000 cubic metres, the current infrastructure can only supply 24,000 cubic metres, leaving a significant shortfall. Residents have resorted to buying water tanks or extracting groundwater, and many have experienced severe shortages.
Who is directly involved ?
EcoSamui, a social enterprise, is working to promote sustainable tourism on the island. Their initiatives focus on encouraging a circular economy and zero-waste tourism, aiming to harmonize tourism with the well-being of both nature and the local community.
The UN Global Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.
Koh Samui faces the challenge of balancing tourism growth with environmental sustainability. The island's unique natural resources—its sea, sand, and sun—are its greatest assets. Without careful management, the very attractions that draw visitors could be irreparably damaged. Efforts by local authorities, businesses, and social enterprises like EcoSamui are crucial in ensuring that Koh Samui remains a thriving and sustainable destination for future generations.
More information: https://www.eco-samui.com/