“Link hands around Koh Samui’s Ring Road” on July 31, 2010. For this event we will ask everyone to form a continuous human chain of hands around the road from 10.00 to 12.00 hrs. A minimum number of 30,000 local residents and tourists is required to support the success of the event. 

July 14, 2010

Subject: Movement against Oil Exploration and Drilling

Dear Sir/Madame

Rak Aao Thai Network Group has been recently formed to oppose  any and all government grants to petroleum companies for oil exploration and drilling concession in the Gulf of Siam adjoining Koh Samui, Koh Pha-Ngan and Koh Tao. Concerned network group are emerging in all major areas in the Siam Gulf area and to date the following official organizations, active communities and clubs supporting the network include:

Koh Samui Municipal Office                             Thai Hotel Association (Eastern South Part)

Tourism Association of Koh Samui                Suratthani Trade and Commerce Association

Spa Association of Koh Samui                        Green Island Foundation

Prawn Farm Club of Suratthani                      Tourism Association of Koh Phangan

Rak Phangan Club                                   Rak Koh Tao Club

Ratchapatch Suratthani University                         Marine Resources and Khanom Shores Preservation Club

Lipa Yai Preservation Group                           Lamai Preservation Group

Samui Local Fishery Group                    Samui Mermaid Group

The main objectives and responsibilities of the network group for the movement against the oil exploration and drilling are:

1. To direct the movement against the oil exploration and drilling that will cause negative impact to tourism industry in the territory of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao
2. To conduct campaigns and create awareness among the public about the negative effect of oil exploration and drilling to entrepreneurs and communities alike
3. To organize an initial mass demonstration on July 31, 2010. Minimum number of 35,000 of local residents and visitors will link hands forming a continuous human chain along Koh Samui’s ring road.  The purpose of the demonstration is to actively protest against the unacceptable policy and decision made by the Ministry of Energy
4. To draft an official letter to the Prime Minister on  behalf of Rak Aao Thai Network Group and call for the withdrawal of the concession for oil exploration and drilling that will cause negative impact to tourism industry in the territory of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh TaTo set up a middle term and long term plan in case the government refuses to take any action to accede to the request of Rak Aao Thai Network Group.

Since it is obvious that the oil exploration and drilling will have a negative impact on all our businesses and quality of life in both a direct and indirect way, we, Rak Aao Thai Network Group need to move and take every possible action against  oil exploration  and drilling urgently.  We all agree that we have to object to the oil exploration immediately and with great vigour, because if oil drilling commences, we would have lost this opportunity to negotiate with the government and this will make the chances of victory very slim.

We would therefore urge you to  forward this information to your friends, colleagues, neighbours, employees and people you may know to participate in the event  “Link hands around  Koh Samui’s Ring Road” on July 31, 2010. For this event we will ask everyone to form a continuous human chain of hands around the road from 10.00 to 12.00 hrs. A minimum number of 30,000 local residents and tourists is required to support the success of the event.  As for the hotel industry, we would appreciate very much if each hotel could send 25-30 staff (and more for big-size hotels) to participate the event. Kindly advise the number of staff or people you may know who can participate and send the form back to us.

In addition, at present, there is only THB200,000 in our account and we really need more financial support and contribution.  The fund will be used for all activities and movement against the oil exploration and drilling especially for the event on July 31, 2010.  The people who wish to donate and contribute, please contact:

Khun Chao through his mobile number 081 978 6954,

Khun Ruengnam through his mobile number 081 893 7173

Khun Sathirapong through his mobile number 081 737 7373

Your comments and any suggestions are most welcome . Please send to samuitourism@gmail.com.  Thank you again for your support.

Sincerely yours,

Mr.Rammanate Jaikwang
President to Rak Aao Thai Network Group