Koh Samui Island is going in for an image makeover. The tropical island resort in

the Gulf of Thailand is hoping to market itself internationally as Southeast Asia's

"Island Of Love".

Discovered by the hippie crowd in the 70's and subsequently a legendary destination

for backpackers, the island is now targeting more upscale clients such as honeymooners

with the promise of a tropical experience of a lifetime.

To mark the occasion and celebrate the 12th anniversary of the Samui airport, Bangkok

Airways hosted a 'Men-in-white & Girls-in-pink' press junket and theme party

at the airport on June 2. The well-oiled festivities featured blaring music, MTV

personalities and tropical delicacies, while planes landed and took off in the background.

The airport, consisting of tropical huts-style structures facing the sea, is more

like a seaside resort with a landing strip. It was built and is being maintained

by Bangkok Airways, which operates direct flights to Samui from Cambodia, Thailand

and Singapore.