Are you a Full Moon Party lover? or a Beach Rave lover? Well, the Thai authorities have put a ban on all beach parties and other related parties on the islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao recently.
Reasons were stated as authorities are trying hard to distance themselves from the excessive drinking and drug-taking in tourism hot-spots such as these famous islands here.
The end of all Half Moon, Quarter Moon, Jungle and Waterfall parties on the islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao for 'drug and alcohol' reasons was also announced by the Koh Phangan district police chief Colon Prahcum Ruangthong in early November 2014.
Beach Rave Parties in Thai Islands Banned
Full Moon Party Koh Phangan |
However, the ban leaves only one main event allowed: the original Full Moon Party at Koh Phangan, as this main event on the island attracts 20,000 to 30,000 people a month.
This all-night beach rave party has been the talk of the world for almost three decades now, with the original full moon party taking place at a wooden disco near the Haad Rin Beach in 1985.
Image - TheAustralian.com |
Authorities are very concerned about the safety of tourists and locals at the beach rave parties due to drinking and drug-taking, which is a common problem here.
Talking about the long term impact of tourism by banning other beach rave parties in Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, the police chief quoted, "The sort of tourist that comes here to drink too much and take drugs is not the type that Thailand wants."
Phuket Clean Up
Since the martial rule and post-coup in May 2014, Phuket was slapped with a massive clean-up where, to date, it is mentioned that the clean-up around Phuket is now 90% complete.
Hundreds of umbrellas and beach chair rentals were removed in the process, while illegal operators were also curbed.
The main clean up in Phuket involved illegal structures removed from beaches and five other Andaman coast provinces.
This was also an official order handed down from the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).
Conclusion
Currently, illegal beach clubs, bars, vendors and even restaurants are being torn down around famous beaches in Phuket.
And authorities plan to allow only regulated water sports operators and licensed vendors back on the beach. Parties and raves in Phuket are also being monitored by the relevant authorities.