The emergency lockdown situation across Thailand has left more than 10,000 tourists trapped on three popular islands in Surat Thani province.
There are approximately 5,700 visitors on Koh Samui, 3,300 on Koh Phangan, and 1,000 on Koh Tao according to the tourism authorities.
Many of the stranded tourists have been trapped on the island since flights were suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic and have been struggling for necessities such as food, accommodation, and finances.
The situation has caught the attention of Tikamporn Sutti-udomrat, Tourism and Sports Chief of Surat Thani who has spoken to local hoteliers to arrange accommodation for the trapped tourists until they can fly home.
His office has said they will arrange free accommodation for any foreigner who is struggling and has urgent problems. However, they will need to pass a health screening first.
Many of the tourists trapped on the islands are waiting for repatriation flights to get back home. One such flight has been arranged by the Turkish Embassy which will leave Suvarnabhumi Airport on Thursday.
Source: CTN
