Maya Bay to close due to overtourism

KRABI, April 23 (TNA) - The Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Plant Conservation announced the four-month closure of Maya Bay, popular tourist destination in Krabi for rehabilitation of environment. The decision came after the inspection of the department’s director-general Thanya Netithammakul to Maya Bay in the Phi Phi islands. The four-month shutdown of the bay will start on June 1 until Sept 30, so the environment recovers from damage caused by tourism activities after the survey found degradation of coral reef. Tourism activities will be definitely banned during the period but only researches and growing coral can be conducted in the area. Tourist boats can float outside the off-limits areas to allow tourists to take photos of Maya Bay from the boats. Mr Thanya said that when the Maya reopens in Oct, new measures will be applied to curb the number of tourists down to about 2,000 persons per day from about 4,000 -5,000 persons currently. Moreover, boats will not be allowed to dock in front of Maya beach. Under the new measure, they must drop tourists at the Loh Sama Bay only to reach Maya beach. A team of engineers and architecture is designing the bridge and the pier to prevent environmental damage. (TNA)