Koh Samui Struggles with Overtourism and Local Displacement

Koh Samui is facing an overtourism crisis as infrastructure buckles under a surge in visitors, partly driven by the popularity of White Lotus. Locals face water shortages, overwhelmed waste systems, and soaring living costs while luxury resorts drain resources. Once a community-focused destination, foreign investment now dominates, pushing residents out. Experts warn the island could suffer irreversible environmental damage, like Maya Bay. However, a new generation of locals is pushing for sustainable tourism to reclaim Koh Samui’s future. The island’s survival now hinges on balancing profit with preservation.

No surprise...