Koh Samui, Thailand

The local population of Koh Samui is around 62,500, but the actual number of residents swells to over 200,000 during peak tourism season. This tropical island's rapid development into a major resort destination has brought both prosperity and challenges. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the municipality's status shifting multiple times since the 1950s. And the island's tropical climate has led to recurring dengue fever outbreaks that have strained the healthcare system. Koh Samui is best suited for tourists seeking a beachside escape, not those looking to put down permanent roots.