Pace of change (by Joe)

Those coming to Thailand for the classic traveller experience and to discover untouched natural beauty are likely to be disappointed, I'm afraid.

It may only be 10 - 15 years since islands such as Koh Samui and Koh Chang got 24/7 electricity, but since then they have changed and developed at incredible pace.

Take the graph (below) which we put together for the small diving island Koh Tao (data from a reliable local tourist map). It shows that less than 20 years ago there were only 41 tourist rooms on the island; 10 years ago there were just over 1000; now there are well over 3000 - and the rate of growth continues to increase.

Intelligent development (see top) and recognition of the need to retain the natural beauty which attracted tourists in the first place ensures that it remains a great place to visit (... and it is!).

... and of course it's all good news for the local economy and local people (good luck to them); but for those seeking the classic traveller experience, you suspect that Thailand just ain't what it used to be ...

Joe