As the ocean waves dance under the Thai sun, workers on the island paradise of Koh Samui are diligently toiling away at the Nathon pier. Quite the buzz of excitement is in the air as metal sheets, glinting in the sunlight, are carefully being attached to the roof structures of this vital ferry terminal.
It’s been quite the wait—a whole year, no less—during which passengers trooping off and onto ferries have had the unforgiving elements for company. Rainy days would send them scampering for cover, while the blazing sun dared them to forget their hats. But change is finally here, and in the words of Narobb Tuaycharoen, a perceptive member of the Nakhon Samui municipal council, the transformation of Nathon pier is underway. Workers began by tackling one of the roof structures and will swiftly move on to the next, promising that everything will be shipshape in a mere week.
Now, if you’re unfamiliar with Nathon, let’s paint the picture. Think of it as the bustling doorway to the spectacular resort isle that is Koh Samui. Ferries and speedboats alike shuffle to and fro, stitching the island seamlessly into the fabric of mainland Thailand, particularly the province of Surat Thani. Some even affectionately crown Nathon as Samui’s de facto capital.
This ambitious endeavor to revamp the rather lengthy 200-meter walkways at Nathon pier began back in July 2021. The Marine Department, wielding a budget of a hefty 212 million baht, embarked on this journey to gift the pier new roofs, which were to be completed by December 2023. Alas, the tale took a hairpin turn as the contractors removed the old covers last December and subsequently vanished like Houdini, leaving only the bare, skeletal structures standing as silent witnesses to their absence.
While the mystery of why the contractor left their task half-done remains unsolved, worry not; this story has a silver lining. Enter the municipal knights, wielding resourcefulness and persistence—they reached out to the Marine Department and secured a green light to ensure that the project sees the finish line.
So there it is, a blip on the path to progress where hopes are as high as the tides. Soon, visitors and locals alike will stride along Nathon pier, their journey shaded by gleaming new roofs, their spirits buoyed by the view of Samui’s captivating azure expanse. Yes, dear reader, come year’s end, both the roofs and enthusiasm on Nathon pier will be sky-high, just in time to greet 2025 with open arms!
Finally! Nathon pier has been an eyesore for so long. This makeover is long overdue.
The wait was worth it. I can’t wait to see the finished pier. It sounds so promising!
Let’s hope this doesn’t end up like other incomplete projects.
James has a point, we shouldn’t celebrate until it’s actually done. Fingers crossed though!
I think the delay was ridiculous. Couldn’t they find a contractor who would finish the job on time?
Totally agree. The officials wasted so much time. They should have been more careful in selecting reliable people.
Exactly, Lucy. I wonder if there’ll be any accountability or lessons learned here.
As a local, this transformation can’t come soon enough. It’s about time they fixed that mess. Rain or shine, the pier had us exposed too long.
I’m not from the island, but I’ve visited several times. That pier was really falling apart.
Right? As residents, we rely on it daily, so any improvement is a win.
I hope they add more than just roofs. Maybe some cafes or shops? It could be a real tourist hub.
That’s a great idea! They should turn it into a place where people actually want to spend time.
As long as it doesn’t disturb our local way of life. We have to keep a balance.
Let’s not forget about the environmental impact. The construction and the new traffic could be problematic.
Yes! More people should think about sustainability. I hope they’re considering eco-friendly practices.
Often these projects ignore the natural habitat. Preserving Samui’s beauty should be a priority.
New roofs are great, but has anyone thought about flood prevention? With climate change, piers need more than covers.
You’re right, Dave. Infrastructure should be forward-thinking. It’ll be interesting to see how they handle this.
I feel sorry for those tourists who had to deal with the unfinished pier last year. Quite an unwelcoming entrance!
Why do these projects always take so long in Thailand? Is it bureaucracy or something else?
Public spending and management aren’t unique issues to Thailand. Governments everywhere struggle with these.
I lived in Thailand a few years ago. The improvements often take longer than planned, but the eventual results are usually worth the wait.
What about the budget? How did they manage it after losing the initial contractor?
Agreed! Transparency on budget use would really help explain how they overcame that issue.
Koh Samui deserves this facelift. It’s a stunning place, and the gateway should reflect its beauty.
I miss Koh Samui! Maybe it’ll entice me for another visit now that it’s getting a fresh look.
Let’s see if they really finish it in a week. These timelines are often more optimistic than realistic.
I think this time it’s different. The authorities seem more committed than before.