Big news for anyone planning a trip to Thailand this year.
Following on from
last week’s news about the indefinite closure of Koh Tachai, the Thai government has announced a new tourist ban on visiting a trio of idyllic islands off the east coast of Phuket.
According to
Phuket News, Koh Khai Nok, Koh Khai Nui and Koh Khai Nai will be off-limits to tourists in a bid to prevent further damage to endangered coral reefs in the area.
Department of Marine and Coastal Resources regional chief Watcharin Na Thalang highlighted a recent report by the Phuket Marine Biology Centre which found that the number of speed boats, as well as increasing numbers of restaurants and shops, are diminishing existing natural resources in the coastal areas around the three islands.
“Tour groups spend at least three hours swimming, feeding fish and snorkelling in the water, which severely damages the marine ecosystem, especially on coral reefs,” Mr Watcharin explained.
Thai marine officials have ordered the removal of facilities and structures used for tourist activities from all three islands.
Shops and restaurants on the islands are also being vacated.
If you are planning a trip to Thailand, why not take some inspiration from this envy-inducing adventure taken by six Irish holidaymakers.