Koh Tao: Better Together – Supporting Koh Tao’s Tourist Boat Drivers during Covid-19 crisis

October 21, 2020

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting every facet of people’s lives in every corner of Thailand.  Back in February 2020, The Royal Thai Government has addressed the COVID-19 in an integrated manner to prepare and respond with a focus on lockdown approach.  During the last couple months, the local islanders from Koh Tao who usually drive these tour boats have lost a substantial source of income, and this has affected 200 households or more than 1,000 people. For those that have been unable to work, they have needed to use their savings to meet their daily needs. It was found that these families had limited access to the government support initiatives.

With an estimated monthly living costs at $500 for individual household on Koh Tao, it is hopeless for the small tourist boat drivers to cope with this crisis. With financial assistance from crowdfunding campaign, the small tourist boat drivers should be able to cover their minimum living expenses in a short-term period by earning cash for work on marine debris collection and beach cleaning. These 200 households will be able to use the temporary basic income for food or house utility bill purposes.  This will help reduce the amount of marine trash in the ocean and turn Koh Tao into a clean island that stands ready to welcome domestic and international tourists. 

For more information in Thai, please click here.

(ภาษาไทยกรุณาดูได้ที่นี่)

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Koh Tao Better Together

 

 

 

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