On Wednesday, 24th May, Thailand’s Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) issued a ban on three popular islands in Similan National Park. The national park, located in the Phang Nga province, has become a popular destination for tourists for its clear waters, stunning marine life, and white sandy beaches.

However, the influx of tourists has had a devastating effect on the marine ecosystem. Bangkok Post reported that 80% of the coral reefs in the area have suffered damage from boats anchoring on the reefs, as well as the stress of thousands of people walking on them, picking them up for a photo op, and collecting them as souvenirs.

The islands that are being shut down are Koh Khai Nai, Khai Nok, Khai Nui, also known as the Tiny Islands of Phuket. The local media site stated that these islands receive at least 60 speedboats per day and there’s an increase in restaurants and shops popping up which adds to the damage on coastal areas.

Tourists spend hours swimming, snorkelling, and feeding fishes which has a negative cumulative effect; exacerbated coral bleaching, less fish in the area and an overall decline in marine health.

In an effort to reverse the damage and protect these ‘paradise islands’, Thai officials have restricted tourist access to the area. They have ordered the removal of all tourist facilities on the three islands, including beach umbrellas and chairs, and shops and restaurants have been ordered shut as well.

This announcement follows merely a week after a different announcement of the closure of another popular island in Similan, Koh Tachai. As part of a protective measure by the marine resource management body of Thailand, Koh Tachai will be closed to tourists from 15th October.

Annually, all national parks in Thailand are closed to tourists in October during the monsoon season but Koh Tachai will remain closed indefinitely to allow for the natural rehabilitation of the marine life there which have suffered immensely from the heavy crowds.

The breathtaking beauty of these islands have attracted thousand of tourist from around the world, but the lack of control on the numbers of people who can visit the islands at any one time is smothering the colourful, rich aquatic wildlife.

Deputy Dean of the Faculty Fisheries of Kasetsarts University, Assistant Professor Thon Thamrongnawasawat, was quoted by Bangkok Post saying that Koh Tachai beach is only able to take 70 people at a time but sometimes there are up to 1,000 tourists there, and if measure are not taken, the damage done could be irreparable.