If you look at the map on the left, you will see that the island of Koh Samui lies just off the right-hand (eastern) side of the Thailand isthmus, located in the tranquil blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand - in ancient times known as the Sea of Siam.

Any destructive tsunami will always come from the left-hand (western) side of the isthmus where the earth's tectonic plates meet in the combined seas of the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Sea of Adaman.

When a violent earthquake occurs thousands of miles away on the seabed of these westerly oceans, the massive tidal waves created will travel towards the left-hand coastline of Thailand (the Phuket region) where we have witnessed that they do indeed travel several miles inland and cause untold mayhem and destruction of life and property, We don't think anyone can forget those tragic scenes witnessed live by the brave television cameramen.

BUT and thankfully, those 40 ft walls of water cannot cross the high mountains of the interior and so cannot adversely effect the way of life of the island people of Koh Samui or indeed the residents along the whole eastern (right-hand) seaboard of the Thailand isthmus.

It is true that western Thailand was hit very hard by the catastrophe of December 2005, especially by the tragic deaths of many thousands of Thai people and western tourists in the Phuket region.

The Thai government therefore wishes to completely assure future holiday-makers that the island of Koh Samui (especially) can be classed as a tsunami-free zone. In other words, you and your family will not be in any danger from tsunamis while holidaying here. Please come soon.

This special message is given to put your mind at ease and to correct any misunderstanding or fears you may have previously harboured concerning the tsunami dangers to those visiting Thailand generally.

Thailand Tourist Office