Initial studies have found that Koh Kood, on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, has the potential to become an attractive tourist destination, according to the department's director general, Wisudhi Srisuphan.

The need to create new destinations follows congestion of visitors at Phuket, Koh Chang, and Pattaya.

The department owns 90 per cent of Koh Kood, which has an area of 10,500 hectares. About 74 per cent of the island is covered by forest and a small population of only 1,800 makes a living from farming and fishing.

There are also about 30 resorts operated by private firms, and private developers own most of its beaches. And to them, the plan does not sound too good. Many of them are concerned that the grand development scheme to attract high-end tourists may cost them their businesses.

"I may not have enough funds to upgrade my resort," said one resort owner.

Treasury Department consultants have proposed dividing the island into three zones: development targeted, for the location of resorts; preservation, in which development will not be permitted; and reserves for a future phase of development.

Wisudhi said the department was planning six projects. The first is a marina for yachts that would sail between Koh Chang of Trat, Koh Samet of Rayong and Koh Kong of Cambodia.

The second project is a four- or five-star resort and the third an eco-adventure tourism centre focusing on forest trekking and sea diving.

The fourth is a boutique hill resort in which customers will be able to lease luxury holiday dwellings for many years and the fifth is a "city gate", housing commercial and public services.

The final project involves building up a residential area for the current population. Local residents will be invited to participate in organic farming and their products will be sold to resorts.

Wisudhi said the study of Koh Kood and creation of a master plan would be completed in about five months. Public hearings will then be held and concerned parties invited to give their views. Upon agreement from all concerned, the department plans to enter into joint ventures with private developers to defray the cost of building the projects.

A major issue is water supply, as the island faces an annual water shortage between February and May. Some irrigation will also be needed, Wisudhi said. For the rest of the year heavy rains normally close the island to tourism. Roads and other infrastructure will have to be upgraded.

Wichit Chaitrong

The Nation