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Koh Kood, an unspoiled island off the
coast of Trat, could become the next Koh Samui under a development plan
drafted by the Treasury Department.
The department is planning to build a
small commercial airport on the island, which would significantly open up
tourism development.
Ranongrak Suwanchawee, a deputy finance
minister, has asked the department to submit its development plans for
approval by the cabinet.
The island, the country's fourth
largest in size after Phuket, Samui and Koh Chang, covers 80,000 rai and has
been under the control of the Navy since 1967. The permanent population is
only 1,800.
The Treasury Department has mapped out
an eco-tourism development plan calling for the construction of an airport,
a waste management facility, ports and water and electricity plants.
It has asked for the Royal Thai Navy to
return supervision of 65,000 rai on the island for eventual development,
with 10,000 rai to remain under military control. The remaining 5,000 rai
would remain in the hands of long-time residents present before the 1967 law
declaring the island state property.
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