Phi Phi Revisited. A Continuation of Disaster Vulnerability?

ABSTRACT

This study develops previous research conducted into disaster vulnerability on Phi Phi Island, which resulted in the development of a detailed framework of vulnerability factors intertwined with factors of political economy presenting a post-disaster situation that was highly vulnerable and non-conducive to sustainability. The paper proposes future research directions for identifying and mitigating destination vulnerability. Whilst there has been limited research undertaken from a tourism development perspective in the intervening years, that which exists points again to overtourism and a lack of sustainability. There is growing evidence to suggest that tourist satisfaction has been diminishing for a long time now and that vulnerability has been recreated, creating the conditions for a future disaster.

KEYWORDS:

• Koh Phi Phi
• Thailand
• tsunami
• disaster
• vulnerability
• redevelopment

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).