TRAT, Thailand — Koh Kood and Koh Mak are experiencing a massive tourism surge during the May 9–12 long weekend, with over 10,000 visitors descending on the islands. The spike coincides with the Royal Plowing Ceremony and Visakha Bucha holidays, creating a four-day vacation period that has drawn Thai and international tourists in large numbers.
At Laem Sok Pier in Ao Yai Subdistrict, the primary departure point for the islands, crowds gathered from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM on May 9. Ferry services by three main operators—Boonsiri High Speed Ferries, Seudamgo Company, and Koh Kood Express—ran more than 10 trips in the morning alone, with an additional three afternoon sailings added to meet demand. Speedboats from at least three additional operators ran more than 20 trips in total.
Atthaphon Klinthap, manager of Boonsiri High Speed Ferries, noted that Thai tourist numbers in April and early May have exceeded 2024 levels. While international tourist arrivals are easing slightly, domestic travel to Koh Kood and Koh Mak has skyrocketed, especially during this holiday period. His company had to add three extra ferry trips on May 10 to accommodate the influx.
Koh Kood District Chief Phairat Sroisaeng confirmed that over 1,000 rooms on Koh Kood are fully booked, with only a few homestays remaining. Koh Mak’s 400–500 rooms are also at full capacity. Visitors are rotating in and out of the islands, but officials estimate that the total number of tourists this weekend will exceed 10,000.
Lieutenant Kornkot Opas, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Trat Office, revealed that Google data shows Koh Kood is the top trending search term across multiple platforms. On TikTok alone, videos about Koh Kood have reached nearly one million views. Koh Mak also ranks in the top ten. The surge reflects the growing popularity of the islands and supports the broader tourism strategy for Trat Province. Recent campaigns, including international sailing regattas, fruit festivals, and cultural events, are helping position Trat as a top-tier tourism destination.
