Unregulated tourist activities are threatening coral reefs in islands near Koh Phangan

[webfact]

Unregulated tourist activities are threatening coral reefs in islands near Koh Pan-ngan

 

KOH PHANGAN: -- Coral reefs around Koh Ma or Ma Island in Koh Pha-ngan district of Surat Thani and Koh Mudsoom or Mudsoom Island in Koh Samui district of the same province are in danger of total destruction from careless tourists and tour operators.

 

On Sunday, troops from the 4th army region were sent to Mae Haad bay in Koh Pha-ngan district to investigate complaints some tour operators had taken a group of Chinese tourists in speed boats to Koh Ma to explore shallow-water coral reefs around the island.

 

The boats dropped anchor on the coral reefs and let their tourists to walk on the reefs without warning them that they could damage the corals.

 

Full story: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/unregulated-tourist-activities-threatening-coral-reefs-islands-near-koh-pan-ngan/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2017-06-19

[Samui Bodoh]

I am strongly in favour of preserving and protecting coral reefs, but I can't help thinking that money is behind this story. Note the 'Italian' businessman.

 

Cheers

 

 

[ChrisY1]

These islands were destroyed years ago.....no-one cared then and money, as it is still, drove numbers of vessels and tourists to unmanageable levels.

2017 and finally there's some movement....but as usual, any crackdown will be short lived....boat owners will complain of regulations and authorities will once again turn a blind eye.....for a fee!

 

[Araiwah]

Too little too late. As usual.

[hotchilli]

Thai tour operators without a care in the world except a quick profit !!

Not a thought about sustainability just get rich today attitude.

[Redline]

Sorry, no enforcement here