ABOVE: The coral reef cemetery under Tachai Island, North of Similan National Park. Photo: Thon Thamrongnawasawat
Two scenic islands in the south have been closed off to tourists in hopes of undoing some of the damage done to their protected environments.
Similan and Surin islands in Phang Nga province, both national parks, have been closed for five months in response to massive destruction caused visitors trampling its natural treasures.
The popular tourist attraction has become a cemetery of coral reefs, according to underwater photos shared online, prompting officials to close the two parks May 15 through October 15 in hope nature will recover.
Judging from the photos, they may have to consider adding another 10,000 years or so to achieve that.
After the parks reopen, officials said they will actually enforce the mandated limits on how many visitors can come each day.
They vowed that any tour operator violating the rules will face legal charges and lose their license while tourists who arrive in private boats will face a THB1,000 fine, Manager reported.
Related:
