Thailand stops tourism activities on three southern islands

Thai authorities on May 25 announced that three islands off the southern coast of Phuket will stop receiving tourists with the aim to protect coral reefs from damage.

 An island in Phuket region (Source: expedia.co.in)

The three islands, namely Koh Khai Nai, Khai Nok and Khai Nui, cover a total of 246 coral reefs.

All of the infrastructure serving tourism activities on the islands were removed after about 80 percent of the coral reefs had been damaged.

According to the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), up to 60 speed boats had been used daily to serve the tourists.

Other activities, such as snorkeling and dropping anchor in the water or collecting coral, severely destroyed the marine ecosystems.

The local authorities will send more staff to observe the areas in order to prevent activities that damage the coral systems.