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 Senee Phuwasethavorn, chairman of the Koh Samui Tourism Promotion Association, said that most business operators are positive that the situation would improve late this year. They have joined hands to restore foreign tourist confidence, and some travel agencies have launched promotions on their own, rather than depending on the government's help.

 Phanu Worramith, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's (TAT) Surat Thani Office, said the number of tourist arrivals in Samui and nearby Koh Pha-Ngan has dropped 40-50 per cent so far this year, also due to the airport shutdown late last year.

 He also believed that the situation would improve late this year, thanks to signs of global economic recovery. The TAT has led the Amazing Thailand Grand Sale in cooperation with private business operators. While hotel room rate is cut by half, there are other packages to draw Thai and local tourists. All hotels are now quoting special prices for Thai tourists.

 The island now caters services mostly to tourists from Germany and the United Kingdom, which represent some 30 per cent of all foriegn tourists. It also welcomes tourists from Malaysia, who have never set foot on the island.