Thon Thamrongnawasawat is a special advisor with the department and he stated that the petition had been received. Ao Maya is one of the key attractions in the Phi Phi archipelago and the DNP is currently assessing the impact the closure would have on tourism in the Krabi-Phuket-Andaman Sea region.
A source close to the DNP team says that if the closure goes ahead it is likely to be for three months early next year. He explained that Maya would be closed in rotation with other popular Phang Nga sightseeing destinations also suffering from the adverse effects of mass tourism.
Phi Phi islanders say too many boats plus swimmers and snorkelers at Maya have decimated marine species. The constant activity has also disturbed sand and silt from the seabed and it is swirling around in the water. They say no boats and no visitors for a few months would allow the natural environment time to regenerate.
Phi Phi islanders say Maya Bay needs closing to regenerate
News in Asia
Residents of Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands say it is imperative that Maya Bay is closed or its beauty and sealife will be lost forever. Residents and tour operators have joined forces and sent a petition to the nation’s Department of National Parks (DNP) to this end.