The island of Koh Tachai, off the Phang Nga province, is part of the Similan National Park and is known for its beaches and coral reefs.
The majority of Thailand’s marine national parks close during the monsoon season, between mid-May and mid-October, but Tacha will not re-open from October 15, the Bangkok Post reported.
“Thanks to its beauty, Koh Tachai has become a popular tourist site for both Thai and foreign tourists. This has resulted in overcrowding and the degradation of natural resources,” said Tunya Netithammakul, director general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation.
“We have to close it to allow the rehabilitation of the environment both on the island and in the sea without being disturbed by tourism activities before the damage is beyond repair,” he added.
Experts said a beach on the island could hold around 70 people, but had experienced numbers up to 1,000, along with food stalls and tour boats.
More about:
