PHUKET: Limiting the number of tourists who are allowed to visit Andaman marine parks will be among issues discussed over the next four days by the National Reform Council, says NRC member and environmental activist Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat.
An outcry on social media over the past week has triggered alarm at the deterioration of Thailand's beaches and coral reefs in national parks because of mass tourism.
Dr Thon, a marine biologist and writer, is leading a campaign to have the number of tourists capped at Phi Phi and other island destinations near coral reefs off Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.
The Similan Islands already has a limit on the number of visitors but it's not strictly enforced.
As the cost of a ticket to Phi Phi and other marine parks along the Andaman coast includes a 200-300 baht park entry fee, questions are being asked about what happens to that money.
Rapid commercialisation of Phi Phi has led to Dr Thon describing it as a ''slum.'' Maya Bay nearby, made famous in the film 'The Beach,' is overrun by thousands of tourists in scores of speedboats every day.
Speedboats at Kai island - a day-trip destination being called ''umbrella island'' - and at other destinations often anchor on coral.
Capping the number of tourists permitted to visit natural attractions in the Andaman region would seriously damage businesses that have sprung up to cater for the increasing number of visitors - if the limits were strictly enforced.
The Similan islands are due to close until next high season from May 15.
An outcry on social media over the past week has triggered alarm at the deterioration of Thailand's beaches and coral reefs in national parks because of mass tourism.
Dr Thon, a marine biologist and writer, is leading a campaign to have the number of tourists capped at Phi Phi and other island destinations near coral reefs off Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.
The Similan Islands already has a limit on the number of visitors but it's not strictly enforced.
As the cost of a ticket to Phi Phi and other marine parks along the Andaman coast includes a 200-300 baht park entry fee, questions are being asked about what happens to that money.
Rapid commercialisation of Phi Phi has led to Dr Thon describing it as a ''slum.'' Maya Bay nearby, made famous in the film 'The Beach,' is overrun by thousands of tourists in scores of speedboats every day.
Speedboats at Kai island - a day-trip destination being called ''umbrella island'' - and at other destinations often anchor on coral.
Capping the number of tourists permitted to visit natural attractions in the Andaman region would seriously damage businesses that have sprung up to cater for the increasing number of visitors - if the limits were strictly enforced.
The Similan islands are due to close until next high season from May 15.
Another attempt with good intentions, however, thai never push on after talks. See about Law Enforcement, where you experience it? Here or there a 500 thb fine ( including free ticket for further misbehavior the rest of the day). Look at Racha island, a resort owner, she push government aside, seems to have more power via 'bangkok' than a Phuket Governor.
I respect Dr Thon very much for his efforts, however, he probably is 'a calling one in the dessert'.
Every thai authority with a bit of brains can notice that already may years things are running out of hand. But, the money speaks. That makes thinking stops.
Posted by Kurt on March 23, 2015 20:13