The premiere of HBO’s White Lotus Season 3 has brought international attention to Thailand’s Koh Samui, a popular tourist destination known for its luxurious villas and pristine beaches. The show’s production team scouted the location, opting for the Four Seasons Koh Samui resort, which is now expecting an influx of visitors.
Thailand has faced similar issues in the past when it appeared on screens globally. In 2000, the film The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio brought millions to the island of Phi Phi Leh in Thailand, but also caused significant environmental damage. This time, Thailand hopes to be better prepared.
Tourism is expected to increase significantly due to White Lotus, with hotels and resorts seeing a surge in bookings. However, experts warn that overtourism can have devastating effects on the environment, including water shortages, damaged coral reefs, and increased plastic waste.
The Thai government has implemented various initiatives to mitigate these impacts, such as banning single-use plastics and promoting sustainable water use. The Four Seasons Koh Samui resort has also taken steps towards sustainability, eliminating single-use plastics and partnering with conservation projects.
Despite efforts to reduce the impact of tourism, experts agree that more action is needed to balance the benefits of overtourism with the need to protect the environment. With White Lotus continuing to feature nature prominently, but with ominous overtones, it remains an open question whether Thailand’s message will be received and whether the island can find a way to balance its cultural cachet with environmental sustainability.
Source: https://grist.org/arts-culture/white-lotus-season-3-thailand-tourism-koh-samui