TRAT, THAILAND – Massive queues and packed ferries marked the holiday rush to Thailand’s eastern islands, as authorities struggled to manage traffic and reassure visitors about safety.
Traffic jam at Laem Ngop ferry terminal
Traffic at Laem Ngop ferry port backed up for more than a kilometre as thousands waited to board boats to Koh Chang, Koh Kood and Koh Mak. Cars and motorcycles lined up to buy tickets for the crossings, forcing police to intervene heavily to keep traffic flowing.
“We had five ferries running continuously, departing as soon as they were full,”
said Police Lieutenant Sommai Amorn-orach. Even this was not enough to clear the backlog, and authorities issued strong warnings against pushing and cutting in line, saying such behaviour could lead to accidents and conflicts.
Local businesses welcome the crowds
For local business owners, the surge in visitors acted as a welcome economic boost. Restaurants, shops and taxis all benefited from the holiday crowds, with year-end revenue expected to compensate for previous disappointing months. Despite the heat and long waits, the mood among many travellers remained positive, as the promise of a beach holiday outweighed the hardships of the journey.
Border clashes dampen, but do not derail, demand
Ferry captain Sattaya Promprathet reported that visitor numbers were slightly lower than the previous year. He attributed the decline to news of skirmishes along the Thai-Cambodian border in Trat province, which unsettled some potential guests. Industry representatives stressed, however, that the three main islands Koh Chang, Koh Kood and Koh Mak remained “absolutely safe and untouched” by the tensions.
Tourists report calm conditions on the islands
Tourist Natthapong Artvichai from Chiang Mai, visiting Koh Kood for the third time, sought to calm concerns.
“I follow the news, but I am not afraid. The conflict areas are far from the tourist attractions,”
said Natthapong, adding that the sea was crystal clear and the journey trouble-free. His message to others was clear:
“The sea is crystal clear and getting here is easy. My message is: everyone should come, it’s worth it!”
said Natthapong, tourist.
Police brace for even heavier New Year traffic
Police officers expected an even larger influx of travellers for New Year’s Eve on 31 December and urged people to plan ahead. Those who could were advised to travel outside peak hours, with patience and respect for traffic rules described as essential. Thailand’s eastern coast presented itself as crowded, lively and ready for a gigantic New Year’s party.
Holiday boom seen as signal to the world
Images of full ferries were viewed locally as a strong sign that, despite geopolitical tensions, Thailand remained a highly sought-after destination. Many people placed their trust in official safety assurances, as the islands of Trat province staged a tourism comeback. The new year was set to begin there with a promising surge in visitor numbers, raising both hopes for income and questions about how much traffic and strain the island gateways could bear in the future.