IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT AND ACTIVITIES AT KO YO, SONGKHLA, THAILAND

Abstract

The Thailand national lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic lasted for several months. Ko Yo is one of the tourist attractions in Songkhla province due to its unique culture, environment, and businesses. The lockdown has changed the local lifestyle together with its socioeconomic and environmental impacts. This study aimed to integrally investigate the impacts of the COVID-19 related societal responses on the coastal environment and activities and the adaptive capacity of businesses on Ko Yo Island in Songkhla province. The results showed negative impacts of the COVID-19 on restaurants, homestays, and aquaculture businesses due to the Governmental emergency decrees. Aquaculture was the most affected business. Despite the reduced number of customers and transportation problems, some restaurants and homestays have provided delivery services and fishing areas as novel services available to their customers. The decrease in coastal activities had positively affected some environmental parameters, e.g., total nitrogen, total phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, and biochemical oxygen demand in water. In conclusion, businesses in Ko Yo were vulnerable to the disruption and the COVID-19 related situation. The local government organizations should seek to support the local communities, active businesses, and people in need to increase their adaptive capacities by providing financial support, organizing career development workshops, and coordinating and counseling local people. Short and long terms of emergency measures should be set at upper levels of government. © 2021, ALOKI Kft., Budapest, Hungary.