After taking a hard hit during the global slump, the island resort is showing strong signs of a recovery

The controversy over oil exploration off the coast of Koh Samui does not seem to have dented tourism on the island. The number of visitors increased by 19% in the first half of 2010 compared with last year, which admittedly was a low tide for Samui, said Bill Barnett, managing director of C9 Hotelworks.

While the uplift is encouraging, it must be emphasised that Samui was probably the local resort market most affected by the global financial crisis.

"There was a pretty sharp decline two years ago and this year we saw a high recovery, but it started from a low base," said Mr Barnett.

Research by C9 Hotelworks shows that total tourist arrivals in the first half of this year were 8% higher than in the same period of 2009, with the recovery in overseas visitors reflecting a 21% increase in international flights from a year earlier.

Aside from Bangkok Airways, which owns Samui Airport, two other airlines, Berjaya Air and Firefly of Malaysia, now fly to the island.

"Certainly people are coming from Malaysia, people are coming from Indonesia _ we are seeing a sharp increase in regional travellers over the past two years so that is a strong fundamental," said Mr Barnett.

He noted that the recovery in Samui tourism has begun despite the political events in Bangkok in April and May. Overseas tourists seem happy to come to Thailand as long as they don't see Bangkok on the boarding pass.

C9 Hotelworks' research also shows that hotel performance on the island in the first half of this year saw surges in occupancy, rates and revenue per available room night (RevPAR) of 3%, 13% and 24%, respectively, when compared to the figures from last year.

While the existing room supply shrank by 11%, to 14,261, due to the closure of a number of small properties over the past year, the luxury tier is set to grow by 109% in the second half of the year. This will add 205 rooms to the supply. Key new hotels opening this year and next are:

FW Retreat Koh Samui (75 rooms, November 2010);

FInfinity Residences & Resort (65 rooms, December 2010)

FConrad Koh Samui Resort & Spa (65 rooms, Q1 2011);

FAll Seasons Samui Chaweng (153 rooms, Q1 2011);

FVana Belle Samui Resort & Spa (Starwood Luxury Collection), 180 rooms, August 2011.

Mr Barnett sees two projects on the island as being particularly interesting, describing them as "green shoots". The first is  the Conrad which has been very aggressive in its marketing and is offering 7% guaranteed return for the first five years.

"They got a model unit opened very early in the game, so that is driving sales _ we are seeing sales momentum in the Conrad."

The other project is Beach Republic, which surprisingly is offering fractional ownership  by cashing in on its name as an entertainment venue.

"It's a beach club in Lamai but they have also gone and opened a resort, and with it they are doing fractional sales. People like the brand, they like the concept, they feel at home and they are buying into it."

Fractional ownership is also taking hold elsewhere on the island, for example at X2 Resort.

Mr Barnett said there is a good spread of people buying property and trying fractional ownership in Samui and they comprise both long- and short-haul travellers.

"One thing about Samui is that it doesn't have much domestic content. I think a lot of that can be attributed to really expensive airfares, going back to Bangkok Airways."

Another interesting thing about Samui is that there are no transactions in the $3-5 million (95-126 million baht) range as occurs in Phuket.

"But certainly the sweet spot of the upscale real estate is between one and two million dollars. We are seeing Conrad selling for about 40 to 45 million baht, but by the time you add in the guaranteed return of 7% over five years, that effectively is coming in at 30 million baht." He added that Conrad's pricing point was considerably less for this type of product than it would be in Phuket.

The opening of several big international hotel chains in Samui has also whet the appetite of other investors, with Park Hyatt also poised to restart this year, according to Mr Barnett.

"There are a couple of other international brands looking to come into the market as well. The emergence of new brands indicates that there is positive investor sentiment on the island."

Mr Barnett said when Samui is mentioned in the media these days, the hot issues are pollution on the island, the roadway and especially the demonstrations about oil exploration.

"Samui needs more demand generators," he said." We always talk about golf courses and marinas but we are seeing some green shoots, so that is a good thing."

Mr Barnett sees an interesting change in Samui in that it seems to be evolving in the development cycle and is no longer a backpackers' destination. The closure of 1,808 guesthouse rooms in the past year clearly shows that this type of accommodation is no longer feasible.

"What we are seeing is backpackers are moving to other islands _ Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Samui is edging higher, very similar to what Phuket saw 15 to 20 years ago."

However this does not mean Samui is moving ahead of Phuket, as the two islands are entirely different markets.

"There is really not a lot to compare. Samui is purely a destination and Phuket is a destination resort but it's also used as a transit point to greater Phuket _ to Krabi, to Phangnga, to the Similan islands, for boating. It's a different kind of destination so I don't think it's fair to draw comparisons."

Even so, improvements are needed on the island, and one necessity is a bigger airport. Mr Barnett remarked that the authorities should not look at whether the current facility can handle the capacity for the next two years, but for the next 20 years.

Thousands of concerned locals, expatriates and tourists on the island showed up on the main ring road around Samui from 10am to 12 noon on July 31 in opposition to drilling for oil in the Gulf of Thailand by NuCoastal (Thailand) and other petroleum companies.
Called “Hands around Samui 52km,” the protest aims to decry the policies and decisions made by the Ministry of Energy. Opened by Suratthani governor Montree Perchkhum, the protest was deemed very important. “Without it, the concession will become a law by default,” the organizers said. Island-wide protest organizer Rak Aao Thai Network Group has been recently formed to oppose any and all government concessions in the Gulf of Siam adjoining Koh Samui, Koh PhaNgan and Koh Tao.
It had also presented a letter to the Prime Minister of Thailand to call for the withdrawal of these concessions that will cause a negative impact to the tourism industry in the region. Chaired by Samui mayor Ramnet Jaikwang, it also asks the government to reconsider other concessions. The letter iterates that, according to section 67 of the Thai Constitution, all companies which received concessions from the national government have to complete all public hearings.
Beside the concessions given to NuCoastal and Salamander Energy to drill for oil 42 kilometers and 65 kilometers off Samui and Koh Tao, Chevron Petroleum (Thailand) and Pearl Oil (Amata) have likewise been granted concession to drill for oil in the Gulf. “The oil drilling project might cause a leak in the Gulf of Thailand. It will surely destroy the island’s tourism industry. It will also be a nightmare for the marine environment,” said protester Michael Cebe, a Samui resident of two years.
Supporters of the network include the Koh Samui Municipality, Thai Hotel Association (Eastern South Part), Tourism Association of Koh Samui, Suratthani Trade and Commerce Association, Spa Association of Koh Samui, Green Island Foundation, Rak Phangan Club, Rak Koh Tao Club, Suratthani Rajabhat University, Marine Resources, Khanom Shores Preservation Club, Lipa Yai Preservation Group, Lamai Preservation Group, Samui Local Fishery Group, and Samui Mermaid Group.

Australian travellers seeking to see the world from in classic British style will be spoiled for choice in 2012, with P&O Cruises World Voyages offering four globetrotting journeys in early 2012.On sale from July 17, the journeys will see four ships – Aurora, Oriana, Arcadia and Adonia – visiting 162 ports of call in more than 50 countries, with sailings ranging in length from three to 109 nights.

With a range of sectors available, prices start from $559* per person twin share for a three-night cruise onboard the 76,000-tonne Aurora as she sails from Bangkok on March 6, 2012 to Singapore via Koh Samui.

Both Aurora and Oriana will sail full world circumnavigations, in opposite directions, while Arcadia will offer a 109-night world cruise and Adonia will set sail on her first grand voyage for P&O Cruises to South America.

The stylish Aurora will depart on January 4, 2012 for a 98-night circumnavigation via the Caribbean, United States and South Pacific returning via Dubai and the Suez Canal. Fares for the full 98-night voyage start from $15,549* per person.

The family-friendly Oriana will head east on her own circumnavigation one day later, sailing via the Mediterranean, Asia and Australasia before returning via the Panama Canal and Caribbean. Fares for the full 97-night world cruise are priced from $15,619* per person.

Meanwhile, the 83,000-tonne Arcadia will sail a 109-night world cruise via the Suez Canal and Asia, before calling at six ports in Australia and returning via South Africa. The child-free superliner will visit Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney (overnight), Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, with fares for the full cruise starting from $17,519* per person.

P&O Cruises’ latest ship, the boutique 710-passenger Adonia will be the last to set sail, departing January 13, 2012 on her first grand voyage circumnavigating South America. Highlights of the 87-night voyage include sailing the Amazon, overnight calls in Buenos Aires and New Orleans, Cape Horn and the Panama Canal. Fares start from $15,319* per person for the full cruise.

Early booking discounts of up to 35 per cent apply to all cruises booked before December 31, 2010, with bonus onboard credit of up to £375 per person also on offer.

Other line voyages and sectors available include:

•A 15-night cruise onboard Oriana from Hong Kong to Brisbane visiting Brunei, Bali, Darwin and the Whitsundays departing February 6, 2012. Fares start from $2659* per person.
•An 18-night cruise onboard Aurora from Sydney to Bangkok calling at Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Bali, Vietnam’s Nha Trang and Phu My and Sihanoukville in Cambodia, departing February 17, 2012. Fares start from $3249* per person.
•A 12-night cruise from Melbourne to Singapore onboard Arcadia visiting Adelaide, Perth and Bali, departing March 11, 2012. Fares start from $2219* per person.

Crystal clear aqua waters, green coconut palms and clean crisp ocean air are all part of what makes Koh Samui the pictorial image of a tropical paradise. And for a truly unforgettable Koh Samui experience, you can’t go past a stay in an incredible luxury villa. Holidaying in one of Thailand villas will provide unparalleled comfort, privacy, and luxury.

Many Koh Samui villas actually lie right on the pristine sands. We have many contemporary villas in Thailand that are built in traditional Thai style, adding to your holiday experience and giving you a true feel for Thai culture while still pampering you with every imaginable luxury, convenience and creature comfort.

Thais are by nature extremely friendly and tolerant, however, while holidaying in Koh Samui, it’s important to be aware of some of the cultural no go zones to avoid causing offense and to help make your stay truly enjoyable. Here are top 5 recommendations:

1. Nude bathing: Nude and topless swimming and sunbathing are deeply offensive to many people, especially Samui’s many Muslims. Swimsuits are not appropriate attire away from the beach and pool and men and women should wear shirts while out and about in the local villages.

2. Don’t go Troppo: Koh Samui’s sun drenched days and balmy tropical nights are heaven on earth but if you’re flying in from more frigid climes, it’s easy to forget just how powerful the combination of heat and sunshine can be. Don’t let a case of heat stroke or sunburn spoil your perfect holiday. Cover up in the sun, drink plenty and stay hydrated and don’t over exert in the heat of the day.

3. The Royal Family: The Thai adore and respect their Royal Family so be very careful never to make any negative comments about them, even in jest. Monks are also highly regarded and should be treated with respect. In public transport there are seats reserved exclusively for monks so be sure to avoid sitting in them. Women should avoid physical contact with a monk.

4. Losing your cool. For cultural and religious reasons, Thais will avoid a confrontation at all costs and consider shouting and swearing extremely uncouth and uncivilized. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, raising your voice or using bad language will not bring the desired result. Remain softly spoken, and try to win the day with politeness and persistence. The Thai you are speaking to will likely honor you for possessing that most treasured of Thai traits, “A Cool Heart.” Remember, Villa Getaways always has a local Thai representative to help with any difficulties.

5. Feet Etiquette. The feet are considered the lowest part of the body. Avoid exposing the soles of your feet in plain view and take care not to rest your feet on a table or point them toward a person or a Buddhist monument. Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home, or a temple.

A visit to Thailand is a culturally fascinating experience. Thai people are extremely warm and hospitable. Exercising a little awareness and consideration when visiting their country will make your stay there all the more enjoyable.

On your arrival, one of our representatives will greet you and brief you on everything you may possibly need to be aware of and will always be on hand to deal with any issues that may arise. All you need to do is relax and enjoy your luxurious Koh Samui villa experience. Paradise awaits!

A new luxury boutique hotel has recently opened in the trendy Bophut Beach area of Koh Samui in southern Thailand.

Hansar Samui, a 74-room beachfront property, is located on the tropical stretch of golden sands and turquoise waters of Koh Samui’s up market Bophut Bay. The resort is a short stroll down the quaint cobblestone ‘walking street’, adjacent to the vibrant Fisherman’s Village, with its antique wooden shop fronts, chic cafes and atmospheric seaside bars.

Hansar Samui offers spacious accommodation with unobstructed sea views from every room, and super-size private balconies and oversize daybeds for outdoor living and entertaining. Open plan yet intimate, each room has been artfully finished with teak floors, stone bathroom fittings and local textiles to provide a sense of place. Chic custom furnishings, large flat screen TVs balance the design’s natural touches with a modern flair. Walk-in rain showers and free-standing tubs are additional highlights of the Hansar Samui room experience.

Overseeing the culinary team at Hansar Samui is Executive Chef, Stephen Jean Dion. Stephen has created an epicurean experience for resort guests where they can appreciate the authentic taste of French Mediterranean Cuisine, in addition to a Thai menu at the beachfront H Bistro Restaurant. Menu highlights include fresh Maine lobster and oysters flown from Canada, Japan, and France, complemented by a carefully handpicked list of International wines and champagnes.

Sunset cocktails and canapés are best enjoyed at the elevated Chill Lounge - overlooking the golden sands and turquoise waters of Bophut Bay. The trendy Chill Lounge showcases a carefully hand picked international wine list and innovative cocktail menu. Alternatively guests can enjoy snacks and refreshments poolside or beachside, and relax and the beach bar.

The LUXSA Spa offers an array of holistic treatments, including aromatherapy with pure Thai essential oils, spices and aromas; body wraps, such as The After Sun Wrap; massages; and facials using the natural Thai products.

Guests can relax in the 15 x 30 metre saltwater infinity edge saltwater pool which is just a few steps from the beach, or chill out on the beachfront sun lounges. A modern fitness centre and 24-hour lobby library with free internet access are also available.

For MICE, Hansar Samui’s 127 square meter boardroom offers a stylish meeting facility with access to business centre services and is ideal for private functions or meetings up to 90 people.

Rates at Hansar Samui start at US$197 (Baht 6,500) inclusive of VAT, full American breakfast for two and complimentary two way airport transfers.

Nestled in the hills above Mae Nam and boasting stunning views across to neighboring Koh Phagnan, the Koh Samui Country Club (KSCC) is poised to set a new standard in deluxe tropical living on the Thai island of Koh Samui.

Developed and managed by the Beach Republic Group, responsible for the hip and fashionable Beach Republic Ocean Club in Lamai, KSCC will boast an upscale yet casual atmosphere where both locals and jet setters alike can let loose and enjoy the good life.

Set on 30 rai of land (approximately 14 acres), KSCC is planned as a destination resort and has been designed for maximum enjoyment of the stunning aspect. The Club Suites (open plan studios), luxury apartments (one and two bedroom properties) and Penthouse Sky Villas (private pools in selected units) will be stylish and contemporary and set into the Country Club’s landscaped grounds in buildings of just three storeys.

The 28 private pool villas have been inspired by the ultra successful Beach Republic The Residences, where owners enjoy modern outdoor tropical living with master bedrooms opening directly to chemical-free infinity edge pools.   Designed by award-winning architect David McCormick, each villa will look out over a fantastic scene of coconut palms, with neighboring islands dotting the bright blue sea.

The two apartment buildings (Coconut and Palm) are served by glass-fronted elevators, offering owners and guests stunning views of the panorama as they enter and leave their properties, which all benefit from excellent natural light, large balconies and amazing sea views. Granite kitchen surfaces, marble and stone bathroom features, and tastefully selected artwork provide the finishing touches which set these generously sized resort properties in a class of their own.  Further amenities such as 300 thread count cotton sheets, flat screen TV’s, iPod docks, BluRay disc players, and personal espresso machines provide luxurious touches.

The Clubhouse at KSCC is the center of leisure and social activities.  Whether the preference is for laps in the infinity pool, a workout in the well-equipped gym, or an exhilarating game of tennis, the amenities offer a realm of sporting options.

The man behind KSCC is English property developer Tim Dean-Smith. Raised in a family with a long history of real estate development and construction, he decided to make Samui his home in 2002. During the past eight years he has launched Beach Republic Ocean Club in Lamai.

The adjacent Beach Republic The Residences, a collection of private pool villas, spacious suites, and private pool penthouses is always in high demand. Indeed, when units were made available for sale in mid 2009, there was immediate interest with more than 50 per cent of available inventory being snapped up by savvy investors within the first year alone.

This same casual yet sophisticated formula that Beach Republic has refined is sure to be reflected in the development and management of KSCC, a fact that hasn’t gone unnoticed by many owners at Beach Republic The Residences who have already secured units at KSCC.

Speaking about the concept behind KSCC, Dean-Smith said:, “The combination of luxurious residences, stunning views, fantastic amenities and the convenience of living with full round-the-clock resort services is unbeatable.  KSCC offers great value for buyers, and is an ideal way to combine lifestyle with investment for holiday home purchasers.”

Stylish and Modern Design of First W Hotel in Southeast Asia Reflects Dual Nature of Koh Samui, Where the Day is Dedicated to Relaxing and the Night for Celebrating
W Hotels Worldwide, the hotel category buster and industry innovator, today unveiled the eagerly anticipated design concept for its first W Hotel in Southeast Asia and its third Retreat worldwide, W Retreat Koh Samui, which is expected to debut in August 2010 on the renowned Thai island destination of Koh Samui.
W Retreat Koh Samui brings an alluring vision of cutting-edge design, global lifestyle, modern luxuries and a new dimension of indulgence and extravagance to Thailand.  An all-villa beachfront resort caressed by lush foliage, unspoiled golden sand and warm island breezes, W Koh Samui Retreat offers panoramic sunrise and sunset views of the Gulf of Thailand from its exceptional beachfront location.
"Given the energy, style and wild popularity of the island, Koh Samui represents a wonderful next destination for W Hotels and is a great brand fit as W continues to transform from a New York phenomenon to a global powerhouse," said Coetzer Deysel, general manager of W Retreat Koh Samui.  "Our shared passions, along with Thailand's unique culture and its spirit of celebration, have ignited the inspiration for the W Retreat Koh Samui design concept."
Showcasing innovative architecture by MAPS Design Studio and interior design by Thailand-based design firm P49 Deesign, W Retreat Koh Samui - like Koh Samui itself - really is an island within an island, a place where nightlife shines, dedicated to celebration.  It exists as its own source of energy and life, almost apart from the rest of the world.  With a hill separating its own peninsula of land from the rest of Koh Samui, W Retreat Koh Samui offers an escape within an escape for guests and travelers who seek something extraordinary - a far cry from the everyday resorts nearby.
"W Retreat Koh Samui has been designed as a modern paradise where the day is dedicated to individual moments in which guests can slip away from themselves and each other to refuel for what comes next," commented Carl Almeida, partner of P49 Deesign.  "When night falls, the people and the Retreat come to life - nocturnal in nature like the W brand, full of energy and ready to mingle."
The Retreat will feature 75 private villas equipped with modern lifestyle innovations, including a private pool, daybeds, outdoor shower, Yamaha sound system, 46-inch LCD TV, wine refrigerator, and the signature W bed.
W Retreat Koh Samui will be a scintillating playground for the discerning leisure traveler and a fresh destination on the international party circuit. W's signature W Lounge, a magnificent lounge rich with stunning ocean vistas will welcome stylish island guests and bring an irresistible new highlight to Koh Samui's nightlife scene.  Upon entry, guests will experience interactive digital floor projections that give way to an environment accented with off-white terrazzo floors, high ceilings clad in angular bleached wood veneer panels, large bookshelves and oversized lamps. A key element of the W Lounge will be a water feature and relaxing area designed based on the shape of a lotus flower, reflecting the blossom of a lotus.
Another key element of the W experience is its breathtaking WooBar.  Open on three sides and perched on the corner of a hillside, offering 270-degree views of the Gulf of Thailand and the surrounding hillside, the WooBar has been created from large pieces of raw-cut local quarry stone, which also comprises the backing wall.  Overlooking the bar on the mezzanine level is the DJ booth, perched high from a commanding point in the WooBar, which also features a striking, two-story high wine cellar. The unique design allows the WooBar to transform from day to night - to become the ultimate destination to wow guests with W's dynamic programming in the form of unique W Happenings - lifestyle events reflecting W's passion for music, design, fashion and film.
Guests of the Retreat will be able to enjoy preferred dining reservations and seating at The Kitchen Table, which will serve food from the heart, including freshly baked treats, gourmet pizzas and inspirational buffets.  Set in a circular space with great views of the sea, the Kitchen Table features an open kitchen, a chef's table made from a single piece of raw wood, and floors of white terrazzo intermixed with bleach tabak wood.  Natural light shines through the round shaped ceiling, covered by the water from the lotus shaped pond in the W Lounge above, creating a shimmering and glimmering atmosphere in The Kitchen Table. Dramatic high-back sofas, floor-to-ceiling curtains and daybed-style booth and table seating also define the space.  The outside terrace beckons guests to enjoy extraordinary al fresco dining.
At W Retreat Koh Samui's signature Japanese restaurant, Namu, guests may luxuriate in an intimate dining experience, resplendent with green glass rods evoking bamboo, an amazing spiral ceiling, subdued lighting, outdoor dining, an open kitchen, a polished concrete floor with pebble inlay, and an opulent water feature that surrounds the restaurant, creating the effect of floating on water.  Stepping outside, guests can relax on lounge sofas and dine under the stars surrounded by the Gulf of Thailand.
Before dinner, guests may spice up their evenings with one of W Retreat Koh Samui's signature cocktails at the see-and-be-seen lounge, Sip.  After entering via a series of stepping stones over water, guests will be met with a series of unique settings, including the bar, outdoor dining area and private daybeds.  Framed by floors of polished concrete and sand and a ceiling lining of raw-cut bamboo poles, Sip features columns shaded in wood and lime color; a bar made from concrete with a green glass rod façade resembling bamboo; wall panels made of wood-textured concrete; oversized lighting and a large stainless steel and wood feature element above the bar counter.  Select seats are made from resin, which appear to be frosted during the day but glow in different colors to suit the mood at night.
aWay Spa, the signature spa at W Retreat Koh Samui, will offer guests and in-the-know locals an exceptional wellness escape with signature treatments including massages, facial and body treatments, manicures and pedicures, as well as a range of treatments incorporating local Thai influences in a cool and playful way.  Bordered by white terrazzo floors and bleached wood walls, aWay Spa will also be a masterpiece of modern design, comprising spa villas, TONIC juice bar and the first "Thaimazcal" treatment facility - a domed space with pebble flooring and raw-rock seating.   The first of its kind in Asia, the Thaimazcal treatment is based on Mexican tribal rituals, using local Thai ingredients.
Guests will also be able to enjoy the WET pool, SWEAT state-of-the-art fitness facility, water sports center and tennis court, Style Lab and much more.  Located adjacent to the spa,  SWEAT offers natural lighting, a graphic wall in striking color, a natural weave ceiling and LCD televisions.
The Great Room function area at W Retreat Koh Samui will serve as an ideal island venue for business gatherings, creative meetings and so on.  Creative in approach and innovative in design, the Great Room includes a pre-function space and 120 square meters of space for serving up to 60 people with the latest in meetings technology.  Located adjacent to the Living Room, the Great Room radiates with a ceiling resembling tree branches and natural light streaming through a glass wall that faces an outdoor Zen garden.  The Great Room's pre-function area provides an ideal welcoming point, ideal for cocktails.
Located adjacent to W Retreat Koh Samui will be The Residences at W Retreat Koh Samui, featuring 17 secluded beachfront villas ranging from three to five bedrooms and from 1,000 to 2,752 square meters.  Each residence offers a modern tropical Zen style with exotic touches, and each offers full access to the benefits, services and amenities of W Koh Samui.
W Retreat Koh Samui and The Residences at W Retreat Koh Samui is a joint venture of Amburaya Hotels & Resorts and Istithmar World.  Amburaya Properties is a vibrant Thai-based developer bringing new and innovative lifestyle-oriented accommodations and residential developments to new and well-established destinations.   The company currently has properties in Bangkok, Pattaya, Koh Samui, and India and continues to look for opportunities to grow its portfolio within Thailand and the region.   Istithmar World is one of the world's largest privately held real estate developers, with a portfolio of developments that includes The Palm trilogy, among others.

Thailand’s tourism industry has suffered blow after blow and yet still remains one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations. This says something about the people and the natural assets with which the kingdom is blessed.

Over the recent years there’ve been all sorts of problems: volcanic ash, SARS, bird flu, swine flu, the military coup which ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the devastating Asian tsunami, the seizure and closure of the main Bangkok airport, the global credit crunch and most recently the political troubles in Bangkok and the subsequent knee-jerk response from several countries advising against travel throughout the whole Kingdom.

Throughout all of this the media hasn’t been particularly kind to Thailand, dragging up each old story every time something new happens; especially in relation to crimes. A western man murdered by a Thai wife, a western girl murdered by Thai fishermen, a boat hijacked by non-Thai pirates are all stories which have made international headlines in recent times and yet, in comparison to most places, Thailand is still an extremely safe and enjoyable place to live.

And despite all these negatives, Thailand always emerges smiling, and tourism continues at a steady pace. Of course, certain aspects may slow it down at times, but it never falls away too much. And now that the country has a plan to move forward (hopefully without further political demonstrations to be broadcast around the world), maybe it can really reach its full potential.

It’s amazing how soon people forget about issues, and the first places to show signs of recovery will be those areas such as Samui, which remained unaffected by demonstrations, violence or anything out of the ordinary at all.

We have to accept that some tourists will be deterred and may never regain the confidence to return. We also have to understand that if a country advises against travel, then there are implications regarding travel insurance if a tourist ignores that advice.

Caution is sensible and travel advice too is a positive thing. However, it often seems that the headlines relating to Thailand are about the travel advice, rather than what the actual problem is. In the recent situation in Greece there were numerous headlines in the international press about the issues and the violence, but none saying that several countries have advised people not to travel anywhere in Greece. Were there similar headlines in New York following the foiled car bomb attack? No.

Sometimes when you’re here and reading the international newspapers it’s almost with disbelief at what’s being written. However, if you’re sat looking at the headlines and pictures whilst in Europe, the US or anywhere else in the world, whilst contemplating your first visit to Thailand, your reaction is likely to be completely different.

The reality is that enough people will not be put off in the long-term and most will at some stage visit or return. The longer the country can stay out of the headlines for all the wrong reasons, the better for the future.

Samui offers everything you could need from a tropical holiday destination and life on the island is rarely affected by any of the negative issues surrounding Thailand’s politics. However, it is severely affected by the Kingdom’s loss of image and any subsequent decrease in tourist numbers.

In the past, Samui has always bounced back incredibly quickly with everything retuning to normal within a short period of time. This time will surely be no different. But the dream for everyone associated with the island is that it gets a chance to proceed with the task of making Samui a world-favourite holiday destination without any more obstacles.

It’s clear for everyone to see that without the outside factors influencing tourism to Thailand, Samui would already be that. But with signs of political stability up ahead and the world emerging from recession, maybe now is the time for Samui to really blossom.

It’s inevitable that the island has suffered in some way from the fallout of all the above issues. But it has survived and, with a year or two free of nasty surprises or problems affecting tourism, the famous Land of Smiles will have plenty to grin about once again.

The Thai government launches travel incentives in a bid to win back the world's travelers as government advisories are reduced

Several signs have emerged this week that the world’s confidence in Bangkok is slowly returning following last month’s violence.
On the front page of today’s Hong Kong Standard is the headline “Bangkok’s Back.”  The Standard reports that there are some great deals for Hong Kong residents looking for cheap trips to Thailand now that the government has lowered its travel advisory against Thailand from the top warning level, black, down to red.
This is good news for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), which says the country needs to focus on domestic and regional travelers from the Middle East and Asia right now given it's the middle of the low season. In a statement released this week, the TAT says it will work with the private sector to offer special promotions for travelers.
"The proposed tourism recovery packages have to be carefully planned to ensure the most effective returns on investment, especially in view of the fact that Thai tourism is now in the low season," says the TAT.
The Thailand chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel Association -- PATA -- says it wants the world’s travel industry to throw their support behind the Tourism Authority's inclusive 'welcome back' campaign, which is currently being created based on constructive 'all for one, one for all' principles, but notes that  cheap deals aren’t a quick fix.
“The problem is not price,” said PATA in a statement released to the media. “The problem is how to show travel buyers and consumers that Thailand is safe, stable and more welcoming than ever. We need a unified, consistent response, not knee-jerk price cutting.”

Chain of leading hotel resorts in the Asia-Pacific region, Banyan Tree, opens a new resort in Thailand on Samui Island. Banyan Tree Samui will be ready to receive its first guests in July 2010. The new hotel is situated in the most picturesque bay of the island - Lamai, which is surrounded on all sides by cliffs and thick jungle, which creates a unique atmosphere of seclusion and tranquility.

At the same time both the hotel and the beach have well-developed infrastructure, providing maximum comfort to its guests. Banyan Tree Samui offer its guests 78 Deluxe villas with private pool and Sanctuary villas, where there are two pools, with a total area of 428 sq. meters. All design and architecture of buildings are made in classic soft Thai style. All villas are equipped with terraces offering a magnificent view of the ocean or a scenic mountain. The hotel visitors will be offered Banyan Tree Spa Center, which has already gained fame and respect throughout the world. Also Banyan Tree for the first time will present its new project - Rainforest spa. It includes various hydrothermal programs that make you feel renewed. Guests can also use the famous Thai restaurant Saffron, which in addition to age-old Thai dishes offers national dishes of European countries, also on the beach is located a grill bar where you can taste freshly prepared fish and seafood. And, of course, lovers of solitude can order any dish at any time to the villa.

Banyan Tree Samui in honor of its opening provides for its first visitors a generous gift, till the end of August the price of the Delux villa will cost only 435 pounds per night, including breakfast. The price includes all taxes and services. And if you book it for 7 nights it will cost you £ 2059 per person.

The resort chain Banyan Tree hotel consists of 23 hotels, 65 spas, 65 galleries and two golf courses. Since 1994 (opening of the first hotel) «Banyan Tree» has received more than three hundred different rewards and recognition in the hotel business.