Thailand is well known for its exotic islands, beautiful beaches and stunning coral reefs. Which is why we Malaysians often travel there whenever we’re in dire need of vitamin sea or a short holiday. Plus, it’s nearer and cheaper as compared to flying to Maldives or Bora-Bora, to be honest.
Well, if you already have plans to visit one of its islands soon, you might be a little disappointed.
Thailand has reportedly closed down 61 out of 154 of its national parks in a bid to conserve the environment and let it recover from mass tourism, according to a report by AFP.
The closure came into force on 16 May.
The parks will be closed for at least five months from May until mid-October, throughout the monsoon season. Any marine tourism activities such as snorkelling, diving, boat anchoring, and swimming around the closed areas during this period are also strictly prohibited.
Among the parks affected are – Tarutao Marine National Park, Mu Ko Surin National Park, Hat Nopparat Thara – Mo Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi, and Ta Chai Island, an island part of the Mu Ko Similan National Park.
One of the most well-known islands in Thailand, Koh Phi Phi is also affected by the closure.
According to this report by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Thai government is also considering closing down Maya Bay which was made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio in the movie The Beach.
Thailand’s drastic decision to close down some of their most popular tourist attractions aim to give time to the marine life to recover from excessive tourism. Not only that, the monsoon season is actually the most ideal time for the marine wildlife to regenerate.
Well, not all of the islands are closed down, so you still have some options left for a perfect Thai beach getaway. But if you don’t want to take the risk of being disappointed, you can consider other neighbouring countries such as Indonesia and the Phillippines.
Or the safest bet would be an island getaway right here, in Malaysia! We have plenty of beautiful beaches and idyllic islands awaiting you.
Don’t believe us? Read our list of Malaysian islands you’ve probably never heard of.
Well, if you already have plans to visit one of its islands soon, you might be a little disappointed.
Thailand has reportedly closed down 61 out of 154 of its national parks in a bid to conserve the environment and let it recover from mass tourism, according to a report by AFP.
The closure came into force on 16 May.
The parks will be closed for at least five months from May until mid-October, throughout the monsoon season. Any marine tourism activities such as snorkelling, diving, boat anchoring, and swimming around the closed areas during this period are also strictly prohibited.
Among the parks affected are – Tarutao Marine National Park, Mu Ko Surin National Park, Hat Nopparat Thara – Mo Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi, and Ta Chai Island, an island part of the Mu Ko Similan National Park.
One of the most well-known islands in Thailand, Koh Phi Phi is also affected by the closure.
According to this report by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Thai government is also considering closing down Maya Bay which was made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio in the movie The Beach.
Thailand’s drastic decision to close down some of their most popular tourist attractions aim to give time to the marine life to recover from excessive tourism. Not only that, the monsoon season is actually the most ideal time for the marine wildlife to regenerate.
Well, not all of the islands are closed down, so you still have some options left for a perfect Thai beach getaway. But if you don’t want to take the risk of being disappointed, you can consider other neighbouring countries such as Indonesia and the Phillippines.
Or the safest bet would be an island getaway right here, in Malaysia! We have plenty of beautiful beaches and idyllic islands awaiting you.
Don’t believe us? Read our list of Malaysian islands you’ve probably never heard of.
