Community support

Koh Samui was acknowledged by the Thai government's Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) for its community effort.

04 June 2020

Natapanu Nopakun, the Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand, has applauded the concerted fight against COVID-19 made by many, including the German and Swiss food donors on the island of Koh Samui.

Natapanu reiterated that COVID-19 knows no boundaries and affects everyone worldwide regardless of race or nationality and emphasised the need for unity to all residing in Thailand.

Additionally, he reaffirmed the need for social distancing on public transportation and in public areas with the second rollout of the lockdown.

Over 1.5 million jobs have been lost so far in Thailand, and islands such as Koh Samui that are heavily reliant on the tourism and hospitality industry, are under strain.

However, with many Thais and non-Thai residents of the island wanting to provide for those in need, there has been a great outpouring of help from volunteers, food providers and other groups in an ongoing effort to fund purchases and organise, transport and facilitate distribution.

Swing from coconut tree in front of the beach in Phangan island.

Many people on Samui have come together to help provide for those in need, including Sisters on Samui (SOS), who have been collecting food donations and providing food banks to the people of Koh Samui so nobody is left hungry.

The animals on Samui have not been forgotten either, and volunteers are raising funds and feeding stray dogs living on deserted beaches and jungle outposts.

Elephants in sanctuaries that no longer have tourist volunteers providing for them are now receiving help from islanders and others, who supply the animals daily with the enormous amount of food they need to survive.

With visiting boats notified of the nation and island lockdown, Asia Pacific Superyachts co-owner based on Koh Samui, Captain Charlie Dwyer, said, “Our remote island, our seas and beaches remain among the most beautiful in the world and Thai people the warmest and most hospitable.

“We all look forward to seeing our yachting friends at the back end of this crisis.”

asia-pacific-superyachts.com

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