To protect its coral reefs, Thailand on Tuesday enacted a law prohibiting the use of sunscreens in all national parks.
Those who violate the law will face a fine of up to THB100,000 (US$3,022), according to the details published last night in the Royal Gazette.
The law was passed due to a link between coral damage and sunscreen used by tourists in the waters of marine parks, the department of national parks said.
That means all sunscreens containing Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, 4-Methylbenzyl and Butylparaben are banned from use.
Several studies have confirmed that chemical UV filters common to sunscreen lotions and cosmetics can have negative impacts on marine life, especially juvenile coral.
