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Rangers at Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park in Rayong, Thailand, have called on tourists to cease stacking rocks at the site, citing ecological concerns. The park's officials highlighted the negative environmental impact of this practice through a Facebook post on November 24. They warned that moving rocks, although seemingly innocuous, can harm local ecosystems.

 

The issue arises at Khao Laem Ya Viewpoint, a popular location where visitors traditionally stack rocks for fun or while taking photos. Park authorities explained that these actions can disrupt habitats of small creatures like insects, shrimp, crabs, and reptiles. Shifting even a single rock poses risks to these animals and can inadvertently destroy their homes.

 

Furthermore, officials noted that rock stacking can alter water flow in streams, accelerate soil erosion, and damage slow-growing plants such as moss and algae, which are crucial for the ecosystem’s health. Additionally, rock piles sometimes serve as navigational markers, and creating new formations can mislead hikers, potentially leading to safety hazards.

 

Park rangers emphasized that this practice should be avoided at all natural attractions, not just Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet. Visitors are encouraged to follow the guideline: "Leave rocks where they are, take only photographs, and leave nothing but footprints." This principle aims to preserve the natural environment and protect wildlife habitats.

 

The Facebook message received positive feedback from the public, with many Thai netizens supporting the park’s awareness efforts. Some patrons suggested formalizing a ban on rock stacking with penalties for violators. Recommendations included installing multilingual warning signs to better inform both local and international tourists.

 

Looking forward, this awareness effort highlights the importance of maintaining natural landscapes and could inspire similar initiatives in other parks across Thailand. Local authorities may also consider drafting legislative measures to preserve these valuable ecosystems, reported The Thaiger.

 

Key Takeaways

• Rock stacking disrupts habitats and damages ecosystems.
• The park encourages the principle: "Leave rocks where they are."
• Public responses suggest broader regulations and awareness campaigns.

 

Related Stories:

Family Rescued After Getting Lost in Thai National Park

Park Rangers Arrest 4 Illegal Gold Miners in National Park

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-11-25

 

 

 

Yep, really going to make life hard for the bloody ant, centipede etc. population!

Gimmi a break.

Can anyone explain why people build these stone piles ?

Stunning...

OMG

 

 

They would do better to stop the littering!

'Visitors traditionally stack rocks for fun'. Sad people with nothing better to do. 

8 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

'Visitors traditionally stack rocks for fun'. Sad people with nothing better to do. 

Must have been very sad people in Egland who built the Stonehenge 

8 minutes ago, still kicking said:

Must have been very sad people in Egland who built the Stonehenge 

..in England even. The Stonehenge rocks were a bit bigger, and we're assembled with a purpose in mind.

Imagine destroying the home of an ant colony? Such a travesty. Where would the ants find an alternative home? Would they be considered homeless ants? Would that contribute to increased homelessness? Tragic stuff indeed. 

3 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

Imagine destroying the home of an ant colony? Such a travesty. Where would the ants find an alternative home? Would they be considered homeless ants? Would that contribute to increased homelessness? Tragic stuff indeed. 

What about propping sticks up under rocks for good luck?

19 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

"Leave rocks where they are, take only photographs, and leave nothing but footprints." This principle aims to preserve the natural environment and protect wildlife habitats.

How many footprints are allowed.... 

On 11/25/2025 at 4:58 PM, JoePai said:

Can anyone explain why people build these stone piles ?

Thai culture tends to shun innovation and nurture imitation. 

 

Try creating rock lines or triangles rather than stacks (outside of a National Park, please) and you will find yourself cancelled.

On 11/26/2025 at 12:21 PM, hotchilli said:

How many footprints are allowed.... 

That will depend upon your social/carbon credit score 🤮

24 minutes ago, johng said:

That will depend upon your social/carbon credit score 🤮

Ahhhhh

I was there recently and seeing all the small rock formations is pretty neat. We did a small one just for fun. Of all the things to be concerned about this isn't one of them. 

 

Furthermore, officials noted that rock stacking can alter water flow in streams, accelerate soil erosion, and damage slow-growing plants such as moss and algae, which are crucial for the ecosystem’s health. Additionally, rock piles sometimes serve as navigational markers, and creating new formations can mislead hikers, potentially leading to safety hazards.

 

The rock formations are along a well marked path. We're not talking Stonehedge here but little tiny stacks of rocks.