Thailand plans new tourist security measures for ‘party islands’
Stung by criticism and a fall in visitors in the wake of a double murder on the island of Koh Tao, Thailand’s tourism minister is proposing a raft of new security measures for the tourism industry.
Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul is considering issuing wristbands to visitors in some areas to help identify tourists that get lost or into trouble.
When tourists check-in to a hotel they will be given a wristband with a serial number that matches their I.D. and shows the contact details of the resort they are staying in so that if they’re out partying late and, for example, get drunk or lost, they can be easily assisted," Kobkarn.
"The next step would be some sort of electronic tracking device but this has not yet been discussed in detail."
Kobkarn admitted that after discussions with hotels, the program may only be effective if it was mandatory.
"Most people welcome the idea but some hotels are concerned that tourists may not want to wear the wristbands," she said.
Other initiatives being discussed include a buddy system – pairing tourists with a local, designating specific ‘party zones’ on Thai islands and limiting the opening hours of late night bars.
No arrests have yet been made in connection with the murders of UK tourists Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24.
Tourism officials are concerned over its impact on the tourism industry, which has already suffered falling visitor numbers after civil disturbances and the onset of martial law.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt