SRI RACHA, THAILAND – Thousands of tourists returned from Koh Si Chang to the mainland via Koh Loy Pier at the end of the extended New Year holidays, filling ferries, slowing traffic and boosting business in the coastal town.
Steady return flow from Koh Si Chang
On 3 January 2026, reporters at the Sri Racha–Koh Si Chang ferry terminal observed a continuous stream of holidaymakers traveling back to the mainland to prepare for the first working day of the new year. Ferry operators deployed additional boats to handle the crowds and shorten waiting times, aiming to reduce bottlenecks while transporting the many passengers.
Authorities tighten safety and coordination
Several agencies were on site to coordinate traffic and travel operations. Staff from the Marine Department Sri Racha branch, Sri Racha Water Police, the municipal Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office and the Sri Racha district administration oversaw operations at the pier. They monitored safety on board and at the jetty, assisted passengers during boarding and disembarkation, and were available as contact points for travelers to ensure an orderly and as smooth as possible end to the New Year travel period.
Local transport sees strong demand
Local transport services also benefited from the high volume of returning visitors. Taxis and shuttle vehicles reported increased demand, as many tourists had parked their private cars near Koh Loy Pier and relied on transfer services for their onward journeys. Official estimates indicated that the 2025/2026 New Year period generated additional revenue in the double‑digit million baht range for Chonburi province from spending on accommodation, food and leisure activities.
Spiritual stops before heading home
Some returning travelers used the day for a brief spiritual stop on Koh Loy. They visited the island’s temple to offer alms to monks and make merit before resuming their journeys. Others went to the shrines of the White Jade Guan Yin and the White Jade Guan Yu to pray for luck, confidence and economic success in the new year, a practice widely observed in the region at the start of the year.
Traffic congestion around the pier
The high number of arriving and departing vehicles led to heavy traffic around the pier area. Both the feeder traffic to the jetty and the departure of returning visitors moved slowly at times, causing noticeable congestion. Despite the crowds, the agencies involved assessed the operations as controlled, with the reinforced official presence and extra ferries helping to organize the return journey from Koh Si Chang to Sri Racha safely.