“No bikinis: respect our culture”, – such a sign, to the great surprise of tourists, appeared in Thailand, on the beach of Koh Samae San. A photo with this sign “went viral” on Facebook, as a result of which the Royal Thai Navy, acting as the guardian of the islands, had to answer the tourists’ pressing questions.
A representative of the navy stressed that the island is dedicated to nature conservation and ecological tourism, not traditional beach tourism. Other “destructive types of tourism” are also not allowed on the island: it is forbidden to drink, hold parties, etc. on the beaches.
The spokesperson did not hide in his response that the island hopes to scare away noisy tourists to preserve Ko Samae San as a peaceful nature reserve and not allow it to become a beach party destination.
As for the sign that says “No bikinis. Please respect our culture,” representatives of the Thai Navy called out to outraged tourists more tolerantly. There is no official bikini ban on the island’s beaches. However, tourists are urged to “be more modest and respectful of Thai culture” and “perhaps consider wearing different clothes for the beach.” However, they promised to replace the signs and wording on them.