SRIRACHA, Thailand – Koh Sichang is experiencing a strong surge in visitors during the long Songkran holiday, as tourists from nearby provinces flock to the island for a short and cost-saving getaway, boosting expectations of millions of baht in local spending.
At the Koh Loi–Koh Sichang ferry terminal in Sri Racha, Chonburi, large numbers of tourists were seen queuing to buy tickets and board boats for the island, with both locals and nearby residents choosing the destination as an affordable holiday escape amid rising travel costs.
Authorities and relevant agencies, including marine police, the Marine Department, local disaster prevention officers, and district officials, have been deployed to manage crowds and ensure safety at the pier. Strict safety rules are being enforced, including mandatory life jackets for all passengers and a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol consumption for boat operators and crew.
Ferry operators have increased services to accommodate the growing demand, as many travelers opt for short-distance destinations to save on fuel and travel expenses during the holiday period.
Officials expect Koh Sichang to remain busy throughout the Songkran break, with tourism spending projected to generate tens of millions of baht for the local economy as visitors choose nearby coastal destinations over long-distance travel.
