MOSCOW, October 27 (RIA Novosti) — Thai authorities in the Surat Thani province have imposed a ban on all-night beach parties to save the image of this popular holiday destination after a gruesome killing of two British tourists a month ago, the governor of the province said Monday.
"We've reached a point where we need to clean up the image of tourism in the province including beach parties that can get out of control and lead to violence," Gov. Chatpong Chatputhi was cited by Reuters as saying.
This follows the murder of two UK citizens – Hannah Witheridge and David Miller – whose bodies were found on a beach after they went out drinking in a secluded area on September 15. Two Myanmar men have been charged with the homicide.
All beach parties have been banned on the province's three islands – Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui – to rein in disorderly tourist behavior and also protect guests of the province, since some of the parties take place in secluded locations where Thai authorities cannot guarantee their safety.
The move comes as Thailand has found itself in a precarious financial situation following months of political protests and a coup.
The only party that has not been affected is the famous Full Moon Party that draws thousands of youths to a crescent-shaped beach of Haad Rin on Koh Phangan. According to the governor, this particular event is very well-organized.
