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16 marine parks closed to tourists during the monsoon season


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Posted

16 marine parks closed to tourists during the monsoon season

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THAILAND -- The National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation Department has ordered the closure of 16 marine parks in nine southern and eastern provinces during the monsoon season effective as of today (Tuesday) until October and November.

Mr Tunya Netithammakul, the department head, explained the need to close the marine parks in Phang-nga, Satun, Surat Thani, Ranong, Chumporn, Trang, Prachuab Khiri Khan, Rayong and Trat provinces during the monsoon season because it is dangerous for tourists to travel to the parks due to choppy sea and strong winds.

Also, he said that due to widespread coral bleaching in Tarutao, Lanta, Nopparat Thara-Phi Phi marine parks and the Chumporn islands, an end to human activities around the areas would hopefully allow the coral reefs to rehabilitate.

As for Koh Choek in Hat Chao Mai marine park in Trang and Koh Thong Lang as well as Koh Thien in Koh Chang islands off Trat province, no timetable has been set for their reopening.

Meanwhile, Mr Natthapol Rattanaphan, director of marine activities of the department, disclosed that the department managed to earn 1,419 million baht in entrance fees from tourists during the 8-month period from October last year until May this year – the highest revenue ever collected within one season.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/16-marine-parks-closed-tourists-monsoon-season/

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-- Thai PBS 2016-06-21

Posted

Yes it is dangerous for tourists to travel to the parks due to choppy sea and strong winds. It is also dangerous to travel on these high speed ferries because of immature and incompetent drivers as some unfortunate tourists have already discovered. This is more about protecting coral and reefs rather than protecting lives. The image of conservation has to be preserved at all cost. Little revenue lost in the monsoon season anyway.

Posted

Tough on tour operators who may have pre-sold visits to these places for diving etc. Right action for the wrong reasons. Limit the boats going there, at any time of year, to those that are fit for purpose, both the boat and the operators. have a sustainable daily quota of visitors and a fair booking system, but don't just shut the place down as an easier alternative to regulating the boat transport industry! That way will not stop the accidents happening when the parks are open.

Posted

Isn't 1,419 million same as 1 billion 419 million? or is this Thai math?

Not Thai math, since they are one and the same as you say..

Thais have no actual word "billion", so they say "pan laan" or thousand million.

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