PHUKET: Authorities in the southern province of Phuket have stepped up the monitoring system on the popular Koh Khai Island in search of rule-breaking tourists and ignorant guides.
Authorities from the Bureau of Tourism Business and Guide Registration and Tourist Police have joined hands observing the behavior of tourists and tour guides on Kho Khai, ready to give a warning to nature-spoiling visitors and impose disciplinary action on tour guides turning a blind eye to their tourists.
The operation came in response to a recent report on foreign tourists trying to lure rare fish with bread crumbs into a plastic bag.
The incident triggered widespread criticism among Thai people and environmentalists, right after it was shared in the social media.
Authorities blamed tourists' misconduct on tour leaders who failed to warn their clients against catching fish at natural attractions and explain to them the need to protect the environment.
The Bureau of Tourism Business and Guide Registration has cautioned tour agencies to closely monitor their clients.
Any tour agency and guide found to let their clients ruin attractions intentionally will face harsh penalties.
As a gesture of warning to operators, authorities reportedly warned tourists against catching fish. The tour guide's license was temporarily confiscated.
Authorities from the Bureau of Tourism Business and Guide Registration and Tourist Police have joined hands observing the behavior of tourists and tour guides on Kho Khai, ready to give a warning to nature-spoiling visitors and impose disciplinary action on tour guides turning a blind eye to their tourists.
The operation came in response to a recent report on foreign tourists trying to lure rare fish with bread crumbs into a plastic bag.
The incident triggered widespread criticism among Thai people and environmentalists, right after it was shared in the social media.
Authorities blamed tourists' misconduct on tour leaders who failed to warn their clients against catching fish at natural attractions and explain to them the need to protect the environment.
The Bureau of Tourism Business and Guide Registration has cautioned tour agencies to closely monitor their clients.
Any tour agency and guide found to let their clients ruin attractions intentionally will face harsh penalties.
As a gesture of warning to operators, authorities reportedly warned tourists against catching fish. The tour guide's license was temporarily confiscated.
The restaurant on on Koh Khai Island is built illegally on public land; so, by closing it and in the same time the one nearby on the rocky rock owned by a foreigner, all tour groups will have no choice but to go somewhere else.
Posted by Whistle-Blower on June 14, 2015 15:04