The likes of Tarutao, Mu Koh Angthong and Mu Koh Similan welcomed huge numbers of tourists last year. Figures released by the National Parks Department show that on average the number of visitors who entered the 154 facilities under its control rose by 30 per cent rise compared to 2016.
More than 80 per cent of the almost 5.9 million international visitors went to one of the marine parks in 2017. Speaking to the members of the Marine and Coastal Policy Committee, professor Thamrongnawasawat explained that allowing unlimited entry to the marine parks would damage their environments permanently.
He suggested a ballpark figure of six million visitors a year for the marine parks was more than enough. 12GO ASIA notes that unconstrained tourism in marine environments invariably leads to issues such as broken coral, water pollution and rubbish, especially plastic bags and bottles, being discarded.
Thai biologist says visitor cap needed at national marine parks
News in Asia
A biologist at Thailand’s prestigious Kasetsart University says there needs to be a limit on the number of tourists allowed into the nation’s marine parks. Thon Thamrongnawasawat said the number of people visiting national marine parks had increased dramatically over the past few years.