First full moon of 2023 draws 20,000 ravers to Pha-ngan's white-sand mecca
More than 20,000 tourists flocked to the first full moon party of the year on Pha-ngan Island in Surat Thani on Friday, spending an estimated 100 million baht, the southern province’s deputy governor Chusak Ruying said on Saturday.
It was the first all-night beach party of 2023 on the island, which is known around the globe as the home of the original full-moon party.
Chusak said that the large number of visitors, both Thais and foreigners, benefitted the local economy.
Local authorities enhanced security for tourists to ensure thieves did not prey on them during the crowded event, he said.
Enhanced safety measures are in effect on all three of Surat Thani’s island hotspots – Samui, Pha-ngan and Tao, Chusak said.
On Friday night, Chusak joined senior local officials, including provincial police chief Maj-Gen Saranyu Chamnanraj, to inspect the party’s location – white-sand Haad Rin beach on the southern tip of the island.
