Koh Samui: For sale and gathering dust - island that catered to foreigners is completely deserted

[elliss]

20 hours ago, Hank Gunn said:

What's a "brass"? ????

 

 A geyser , with a couple of Bob / shillings .

  Hope this info helps ...

 

[kingdong]

20 hours ago, torturedsole said:

In common parlance a punter is a customer whether shady or legitimate.

 

A lady / gentleman of the night.  

 

brass only pertains to a female prostitute,a more apt description of a man who performs sexual acts for money would be gigolo if the man was with a woman,or rent boy if he indulges in homosexual sex.

[Maha Sarakham]

I have a feeling some people will be in for an eye-opener when they revisit what "LOS was like 30 years ago." 

 

We tend to remember the good things such as the simplicity of the island and its beaches, and tend to forget the lack of amenities, convenience, and infrastructure of the time.

[khunPer]

2 hours ago, kingdong said:

so i suppose the" statisic" is 100% accurate and includes all lady drinks,bar fines,and fees for a happy ending purchased ? a hell of a lot of money spent by westerners is spent this way and although it go,es into the black economy this also ends up in the local economy,although it dosen,t go " through the books " also add on the monies sent every week from "sponsors" and the true figures are far higher.

I cannot say if stats are 100 percent correct and what it includes, but we don't have anything better to judge from.

 

Other stats states that the "hell of a lot of money spent by by Westerners" for happy-something, including lady drinks and more, are less than 10 percent, and rather five percent, of that business area. Asians, and especially Japanese, are well known to be much better in spending than Westerners, also in that field. But they often don't mingle with us farangs, they have their own places where we are not allowed in – I know, I've by mistake once tried to enter...???? – so we don't see them.

 

The total trade value of that "industry" was estimated to 260 billion baht in 2018, or about 2 percent of the GNP; tourism was around 20 percent.

The fact is that we farangs might not be as important anymore compared to what we once was. In 2003 came 10 million tourists, in 2019 it was almost 40 millions, but not because of more Westerners. We topped in tourist number around 2012, when the total was up around 20 million, only half of what is is today (last year).

 

In 1960 there were 15 hotels in Bangkok with a total capacity of less than 1,000 rooms, and the boom with 50 more hotels during the 1960ies were mainly due to Western tourism. That was the period we farangs became important, and it probably lasted up to around the millennium, then we farangs began to be relative less important in both number and value.

 

However, for Koh Samui and her sisters Westerners still mean something. Only 15 percent Chinese arrivals, whilst 10 percent each both Germans and Brits. But not many lady-drinks are sold on the islands, simply because there are not enough places selling lady-drinks, whilst concerning happy-something I have no idea of any possible quantity...????

[kingdong]

46 minutes ago, khunPer said:

I cannot say if stats are 100 percent correct and what it includes, but we don't have anything better to judge from.

 

Other stats states that the "hell of a lot of money spent by by Westerners" for happy-something, including lady drinks and more, are less than 10 percent, and rather five percent, of that business area. Asians, and especially Japanese, are well known to be much better in spending than Westerners, also in that field. But they often don't mingle with us farangs, they have their own places where we are not allowed in – I know, I've by mistake once tried to enter...???? – so we don't see them.

 

The total trade value of that "industry" was estimated to 260 billion baht in 2018, or about 2 percent of the GNP; tourism was around 20 percent.

The fact is that we farangs might not be as important anymore compared to what we once was. In 2003 came 10 million tourists, in 2019 it was almost 40 millions, but not because of more Westerners. We topped in tourist number around 2012, when the total was up around 20 million, only half of what is is today (last year).

 

In 1960 there were 15 hotels in Bangkok with a total capacity of less than 1,000 rooms, and the boom with 50 more hotels during the 1960ies were mainly due to Western tourism. That was the period we farangs became important, and it probably lasted up to around the millennium, then we farangs began to be relative less important in both number and value.

 

However, for Koh Samui and her sisters Westerners still mean something. Only 15 percent Chinese arrivals, whilst 10 percent each both Germans and Brits. But not many lady-drinks are sold on the islands, simply because there are not enough places selling lady-drinks, whilst concerning happy-something I have no idea of any possible quantity...????

think your figures regarding " happy somethings" are a bit suspect well over 60% of my holiday budget go,es on a bit of naughty,i waste the rest.

[khunPer]

42 minutes ago, kingdong said:

think your figures regarding " happy somethings" are a bit suspect well over 60% of my holiday budget go,es on a bit of naughty,i waste the rest.

Yes, perhaps that stat don't include all, and need an update...????

Happy something matters...????

[rumak]

On 7/12/2020 at 6:49 PM, mpyre said:

It's called mass tourism...many once pristine locals around the world have been trashed in the same way.

I travelled many of the "old roads".    Phuket,  Songkla,  Ko Samet,  Pattaya,  and the beautiful North.

 

Everywhere got busier and less friendly.   The women got fatter.   

 

Us (now) old guys miss the young days.   Enjoy the better amenities , nowadays.

And if it weren't for internet would probably not know what to do with ourselves at 3 in the morning,

up after taking a p**s.

 

But one thing is a fact.   Thailand was prettier back then.    As was I .

[rumak]

8 hours ago, Maha Sarakham said:

I have a feeling some people will be in for an eye-opener when they revisit what "LOS was like 30 years ago." 

 

We tend to remember the good things such as the simplicity of the island and its beaches, and tend to forget the lack of amenities, convenience, and infrastructure of the time.

I had to push my motorcycle into the woods a bit to circumvent a flooded area on the dirt road 

to Mae Hong Song.    All part of the great adventure.   

Hell, I would do it all again.   Might just have to ask some young newbie here to help me with the

pushing the bike part though ☺️☺️☺️

 

[evadgib]

2 hours ago, rumak said:

I had to push my motorcycle into the woods a bit to circumvent a flooded area on the dirt road 

to Mae Hong Song.    All part of the great adventure.   

Hell, I would do it all again.   Might just have to ask some young newbie here to help me with the

pushing the bike part though ☺️☺️☺️

 

Chaweng is the only place I've ever been thrown in to a pub! ????

[kingdong]

3 hours ago, rumak said:

I had to push my motorcycle into the woods a bit to circumvent a flooded area on the dirt road 

to Mae Hong Song.    All part of the great adventure.   

Hell, I would do it all again.   Might just have to ask some young newbie here to help me with the

pushing the bike part though ☺️☺️☺️

 

has hollywood been in touch with you regarding a blockbuster based on your"great adventure"?

[rumak]

Just now, kingdong said:

has hollywood been in touch with you regarding a blockbuster based on your"great adventure"?

king dong .     i guess that just about says it all .   

 

if you don't like my posts...... ignore would be a more civil approach

[kingdong]

3 minutes ago, rumak said:

king dong .     i guess that just about says it all .   

 

if you don't like my posts...... ignore would be a more civil approach

i do like your posts they bring such joy to my boring and uninteresting life.

[thaibeachlovers]

22 hours ago, khunPer said:

I'm sometime wondering if those complaining about Bangkok Airways' prices are the same as those that don't want to come back to spoiled Samui...????

I've never complained about those prices as I'd never use them anyway. Train and ferry much nicer way to travel.

[thaibeachlovers]

13 hours ago, Maha Sarakham said:

I have a feeling some people will be in for an eye-opener when they revisit what "LOS was like 30 years ago." 

 

We tend to remember the good things such as the simplicity of the island and its beaches, and tend to forget the lack of amenities, convenience, and infrastructure of the time.

What lack of amenities, convenience, and infrastructure would that be? In 1993 there was all of that. Difference was that one could do without if one chose to. Everyplace I stayed had a comfortable bed and an ensuite. Don't need AC, tv, hot water shower or any of the <deleted> we surround ourselves with now.

 

[thaibeachlovers]

12 hours ago, khunPer said:

But not many lady-drinks are sold on the islands, simply because there are not enough places selling lady-drinks, whilst concerning happy-something I have no idea of any possible quantity...

Can't speak for this century as went to Phanang instead, but last century if one wanted a Pattaya style bar scene one stayed on Lamai or there was the bar strip near the The Reggae Disco on Chaweng. That there was no equivalent elsewhere was because there was no demand for it.

[thaibeachlovers]

9 hours ago, rumak said:

I travelled many of the "old roads".    Phuket,  Songkla,  Ko Samet,  Pattaya,  and the beautiful North.

 

Everywhere got busier and less friendly.   The women got fatter.   

 

Us (now) old guys miss the young days.   Enjoy the better amenities , nowadays.

And if it weren't for internet would probably not know what to do with ourselves at 3 in the morning,

up after taking a p**s.

 

But one thing is a fact.   Thailand was prettier back then.    As was I .

Parts of Thailand are still pretty, but only where the masses of tourists don't go. The horde destroys- end of.

[Bob A Kneale]

On 7/11/2020 at 10:07 PM, thaiowl said:

Stopped going after I was charged Bt600 for a 5km taxi ride from the airport to Chaweng. And the whole place was a building site. Another example of uncontrolled tourism spoiling a Thai resort.

"Another example of uncontrolled tourism spoiling a Thai resort".

What?  It's the Covid restrictions that have caused this, nothing to do with one taxi driver who drove you.

[rumak]

5 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Parts of Thailand are still pretty, but only where the masses of tourists don't go. The horde destroys- end of.

Very true.  I felt like i was back in the "old thailand" living on my mango farm.   nice, quiet, friendly,

and peaceful sunsets.   ( though smoke has become a problem)    

Lots of sweat and honest work making it a nice place......... as of last month   SOLD

Mangos were really tasty though this year  

[Desmondo69]

On 7/11/2020 at 11:18 PM, JeffersLos said:

The strings. On my heart. Are pulled.

 

Is there some sort of donation account set-up so I can donate some money to him. 

My heart bleeds also... 

[Awinkl]

On 7/11/2020 at 10:23 PM, thaibeachlovers said:

Fare for the songtheaw from the ferry port to Chaweng or Lamai used to be 20 baht. Increased significantly even though prices for fuel etc had not gone up much. Just greed. I used to say to myself that one day it was all going to lead to tears. Seems that day has come.

Well, it's maybe not fair to just blame Thai's for the current situation - or the overdevelopment of the Place. I think Farangs were also quite happy to "play-along" in the GREED-GAME. Whenever I visited there, I always felt that the Locals & the Farangs living there felt like they were better than any-other-place ... and looked down on fellow visitors.....? And now ..... everybody is crying foul???

Perhaps, when all the Covid issue will finally be over ..... maybe the various Tourist places all around the world who suffer now - being empty ... will learn to be more appreciative ..... of Visiting Tourists???

[metisdead]

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[Eindhoven]

3 hours ago, thaibeachlovers said:

What lack of amenities, convenience, and infrastructure would that be? In 1993 there was all of that. Difference was that one could do without if one chose to. Everyplace I stayed had a comfortable bed and an ensuite. Don't need AC, tv, hot water shower or any of the <deleted> we surround ourselves with now.

 

 

Oh come on. The warm water showers were an improvement. Fine taking a cool shower in the daytime, but rarely looked forward to having a cold shower at night after the sun went down.

Didn't need to be hot, but just to take the edge off a night time shower.

 

But yes, there was a completely different atmosphere back then. Everyone greeted everyone. No one could sit alone unless that is what they wanted. There would always be an invitation to join.

 

Unfortunately the people flying in with their best garb, didn't have nor take the time to develop that kind of camaraderie.

 

The fact that we took our time and trouble getting there, made us appreciate it all the more. It really felt like paradise, muddy roads and all. It was our paradise. We took care of it as if it were our own. No separation between the locals and ourselves. We dressed the same, ate the same and advised like family. We introduced Thailand to the world outside. 

 

Unfortunately once the careless masses arrived, the separation began.

I guess that why so many feel aggrieved at the way they feel they've been treated. I'm not talking about the newcomers who arrived in the 21st century. They'll have no idea.

 

Though I'm still a young 'un. ????

 

 

 

[huberthammer]

On 7/11/2020 at 11:26 PM, steven100 said:

Koh Samui is a ghost town. Friday night everything was closed, there are no tourists at all.

RIP ...  KS.

are you even here? or maybe just bolted up in chaweng terrified to go to places in Samui where things are almost back to normal ?

 

[huberthammer]

On 7/13/2020 at 9:53 AM, thaibeachlovers said:

Perhaps you overlook that farangs exploited them for centuries ( the French ) and later farangs gave them My Lai and Agent Orange. I'm not surprised they hate all farangs.

How quickly we forget!

no wonder you have 33k posts given how you have to comment on everything ....

[tifino]

I just go to Koh Samui webcams on WWITV

 - and tomorrow night will be the same as last night... 

 - the rare subbakers on the beach, sometimes makes it worth the trouble ????  

[elliss]

 

 I met my future ex wife in Koh Samui , lust @ first sight .

   Then she take me to Issan , to meet her family , and buy house , etc ..

      I never want to go Samui again , so expensive ...

 

 

[whiteman]

and buy house , etc       One born every day

[kingdong]

1 hour ago, elliss said:

 

 I met my future ex wife in Koh Samui , lust @ first sight .

   Then she take me to Issan , to meet her family , and buy house , etc ..

      I never want to go Samui again , so expensive ...

 

 

don,t you mean buy the family a house?

[Xi Tha Virus]

Big thanks from mother nature. 

[3NUMBAS]

the fish must be happy as no disturbance ,,back to nature for the islands