After Thailand announced more restrictions on late night beach raves, authorities are trying hard to distance themselves from the excessive drinking and drug taking in tourism hotspots.
Koh Phangan district police chief Colon Prahcum Ruangthong has announced the end of all Half Moon, Quarter Moon, Jungle and Waterfall parties on the islands of of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao for ‘drug and alcohol’ reasons.
This leaves Koh Phangan’s original Full Moon beach party, which attracts up to 20,000 revellers, as the only all-night beach rave allowed.
"The main reason is that drinking outside and taking drugs is illegal and we are concerned for the safety of tourists attending these events where such things are available,’ the police chief said.
When asked about the long term impact on tourism, he said: "The sort of tourist that comes here to drink too much and take drugs is not the type that Thailand wants."
In Phuket, there has been a similar clean-up process going on in recent weeks, with illegal beach clubs torn down and beach hawkers moved on.
The authorities plan to allow only regulated water sports operators and licensed vendors back on the beach.
The Thai tourist industry has already seen a drop in visitors of more than 10% so far this year, after six months of anti-government protests and martial rule.
