The popular Full Moon party stays, but other parties on Surat Thani's islands have been cancelled indefinitely "for security reasons".

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The Full Moon party on Koh Tao is too big to cancel, but smaller events on Surat Thani's islands like the Black Moon, Jungle Moon, and Experience Moon parties have been axed. EPA file photo.

Surat Thani orders beach parties ban

Supapong Chaolan

Partygoers on Surat Thani's islands will now have fewer choices. SUPAPONG CHAOLAN.

Surat Thani's governor has imposed a ban on beach parties in the province for security reasons, five weeks after the murder of two British tourists on Koh Tao.



However, the famous Full Moon Party held on Rin beach of Koh Phangan each month will stay in place.



Governor Chatpong Chatphuti wrote to Thaweesak Inthaphrom, chief of the Koh Phangan district office, ordering him to prohibit any beach parties on islands throughout the province.



Koh Phangan's Full Moon Party is the only exception to the rule due to its enduring popularity among tourists, many of whom visit the country specifically to visit the event.



The ban is part of efforts to put a stop to vice and illegal activities which have been putting the country's good reputation at risk, Mr Chatpong said.



Other beach events, such as the Black Moon and Half Moon parties, were partly responsible for problems affecting the province's tourism.



Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha last week said it was time to restore order on the province's islands.



The parties are often held in private spaces in secluded areas, so there is little protection police can offer party-goers.



Koh Phangan district office has relayed the order banning beach parties to various agencies, while police have removed posters put up around island districts informing tourists of upcoming events, including the Black Moon, Jungle Moon, and Experience Moon parties.



Meanwhile, Prawut Thawornsiri, spokesman of the National Police Office, said police chief Pol Gen Somyot Pumpanmuang had instructed officers nationwide to step up measures ensuring safety for tourists as the country enters its high season.