Islanders tell tourists – don’t pollute or bring jet skis and drugs
Residents of Trat province’s Koh Mak Island have issued a set of rules to ensure the idyllic island remains a low-carbon destination. These include a ban on motorsports and plastic food containers.
The 9,500 rai island is home to rubber and coconut plantations, residences, small hotels, and resorts. It is the third largest island in Trat, following Koh Chang and Koh Kut, and was among three Thai locations listed among the world’s Top 100 Green Destinations in 2022.
Even though it has few tourist attractions and even fewer facilities, the island’s natural beauty attracts foreign travellers.
To promote low-carbon tourism and preserve their environment, local residents have set the following rules for visitors:
- Ferries are not allowed to bring tourists' vehicles to the island.
- The number of rental motorcycles on the island must not exceed 70% of hotel rooms.
- Food containers made of polluting materials are prohibited.
- People are not allowed to drop garbage in public areas and water sources.
- High residue chemicals are prohibited.
- People are not allowed to make loud noises from 10pm to 7am.
- Motorsports are prohibited.
- Importing, selling, and consuming addictive substances are prohibited.
