Paradise Lost
Islands and beaches
This lesson looks at tourist development of the islands of Ko Phi Phi. The islands have been attractive to paradise seekers and film makers but were devastated by the 2004 tsunami. Students will learn how the islands have changed, the pressures on the islands and what the future may hold.
Key questions:
- Why is Thailand attractive to film-makers?
- How has Ko Phi Phi changed over time?
- What is the future for Ko Phi Phi?
Key Concepts:
Place
Interdependence
Physical and human processes
Environmental Interaction and Sustainable Development
Cultural understanding and Diversity
Why is Thailand attractive to film-makers?
Dozens of films have used Thailand as a location. The availability of elephants, exotic jungle and beach settings, relatively low production costs, and a mature film industry that provides experienced crew members, have made Thailand an attractive location for films. In addition to providing work for Thai film crews and extras, films that use Thailand as a location have promoted Thailand as a tourist destination. However, over the years, the locations of some films have been criticized as being harmful to the environment. The island used to depict villain's hideout in The Man with the Golden Gun is now a major draw for tourism operators in Phuket's Phang Nga Bay. Environmentalists also protested the filming of The Beach, in which the film crew made alterations to the location that were viewed as damaging.
How has Ko Phi Phi changed over time?
Before the 2004 tsunami, Phi Phi Don (the larger of Ko Phi Phi's two main islands) had 3,500 residents - at least 500 worked in the tourism sector. Others were fishermen, or farmed coconuts and cashews. The original islanders, known locally as ‘sea gypsies' because of their nomadic past, depend on fishing for their livelihood. Visitor numbers to the islands exploded after parts of "The Beach" were filmed on Maya beach on Phi Phi Le to about 150,000 every year and 12 high standard resort hotels operated on the island.
Much of the area was a marine reserve but there were few building controls and litter was a major problem. Raw sewage was pumped into the sea, and electricity came from two diesel generators run by private companies. The water purification plant to recycle water was never used.
About 1,000 people died when the tsunami struck. Ko Phi Phi was the second hardest hit area in Thailand by the tsunami. Two waves, 3 and 5.5 metres in height, crashed into either side of the narrow strip of land between the beaches on Phi Phi Don, home to much of the tourist activity on the island. Nearly three-quarters of the buildings were destroyed and about 2,000 people died. All survivors of the tsunami were moved to temporary housing on the mainland. Most hotels and bungalows closest to Tong Sai and Lo Dalam beaches were reduced to rubble. Only three of the resort hotels escaped severe damage. The pier on Phi Phi Don for docking boats and ferries from the mainland was destroyed. Most of the trees on the islands survived the tsunami.
"For us, if there are any lessons to be learned from this dreadful disaster, it is to demonstrate how dependent some local communities are on tourism. The hope is that as tourist facilities are gradually rebuilt, this awareness will inspire the tourism industry to ensure that more of the benefits go to local people to help them in the reconstruction they so desperately need". Shirley Eber, Tourism Concern
What is the future for Ko Phi Phi?
Since the tsunami devastated Ko Phi Phi in December 2004 there has been a mad rush to get tourism on the islands back on its feet. But after the destruction and tragedy of ruined lives, many were thinking that this could be a new, better start for Ko Phi Phi. With most of the tourist facilities destroyed, it was time to plan for a lasting - sustainable - future. In the first few months after the tsunami there were early warning signs that making money would take priority over planning the islands' long-term future. A rapid rebuilding programme got underway. Two international hotel chains were given the go-ahead to build luxury resorts on the Phi Phi Don as the Thai government looked to develop Ko Phi Phi as a different kind of tourist destination than before. The government's vision of a sustainable future for Ko Phi Phi focuses on fewer, high spending tourists in all-inclusive resorts backed by big business from outside. The government is also thinking about a ban on the rebuilding of all residents' houses along the beachfronts.
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