The islands are part of Thailand’s Surat Thani Province. A memorandum distributed by provincial governor Chatpong Chatapoot says that the relevant authorities on each of the three islands as well as at other beaches in the province are empowered to put a stop to any party in progress.
A source close to the governor told reporters that the ban was instigated for the wellbeing and safety of tourists. People working in the tourism industry as well as the proprietors of various businesses on the islands say the ban is bound to deter international travellers from visiting.
Koh Phangan’s full moon parties have been running for the past three decades and regularly attract 40,000 revellers. In recent years, the celebrations have expanded and there are now parties to mark the half moon and the dark moon.
Party ban on Thai gulf islands
News in Asia
Thai authorities have declared that beach parties on the Gulf of Thailand islands are banned forthwith. The blanket ban applies to the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. The only exception is the latter’s monthly full moon parties held at Haad Rin beach.