Why The White Lotus could be bad for Thailand
Thailand is bracing for the so-called White Lotus Effect.
With a TV film crew set to descend on Thailand’s pristine island shores, residents worry about the surge in tourists that is sure to follow.
When past seasons of White Lotus were shot in Hawaii and Sicily, huge crowds flocked to the show’s idyllic locations.
Now it's Thailand's turn, with the crew set to land on the tiny Thai island of Koh Samui off the east coast of country.
Not everyone though is thrilled. Tourism may be crucial for jobs in Koh Samui, but some residents fear their island lacks the infrastructure to cope with any big, new influx of visitors.
Islanders are already dealing with landfills that are full to overflowing and repeated water shortages in the dry season. They worry that basic hygiene issues like these are bound to worsen.
In this documentary, we talk to local politicians, residents and hotel managers to find out how Koh Samui plans to balance the demands of modern tourism while preserving their island’s natural beauty.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel | Watch more videos like this
