The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has temporarily closed several marine national parks for the rehabilitation of natural resources affected by heavy tourism.
In Satun province, Tarutao, Ardang and Rawee islands, which are located in Tarutao Marine National Park, were closed yesterday and are off-limits to tourists until Oct 15.
The closure was in response to a DNP order seeking to ease the negative effects on natural resources and the environment, particularly coral reefs, as a result of heavy tourism activities on resort islands.
The measure is part of a marine resource management master plan in the Andaman Sea.
Tarutao Marine National Park chief Panaphon Chiwaserichon yesterday said nearly all popular tourism locations on the islands as well as diving spots are also closed.
However, Koh Lipe remains open. Boats are still allowed to moor along the island's shores.
In Phangnga, the shoreline, beaches and coral reefs around Koh Tachai island in Similan National Park were declared off-limits for an indefinite period, starting from Sunday.
Park chief Nat Kongkesorn yesterday said closure orders were also issued for other marine national parks from yesterday to Oct 15.
But Koh Tacha will remain closed indefinitely, he said.
However, two deep dive sites in the Similan Islands will remain open to divers and tourists.
A source said Koh Tachai had welcomed several hundred visitors a day over a long period of time which resulted in the swift deterioration of its ecosystem and coral reefs.
