The department of national parks, wildlife and plant coservation of Thailand has recently announced that from October, 15, 2018 it will no longer be possible to stay in the Mu Ko Similan Marine National Park overnight. Also, the number of tourists allowed to visit the islands will be limited. As of today, between 5,000 and 6,000 visitors arrive to the islands daily making the Similan NP one of the most overcrowded destinations in the whole country.
The excessive tourism of the several last years has produced a destructive effect on the unique and fragile ecosystem of the islands and now strict measures are required to help it regenerate.
The Similan Islands are located in Phang Nga province and considered one of the most picturesque marine national parks in Thailand. Currently the NP operates 40 simple tents and 35 bungalows which can accommodate totally 190 tourists. With the demand constantly increasing the park is not able to deal with pullution, waterwaste and garbage connected with overnight stays.
Ban on Overnight Stays on Similan Islands from October
News in Asia
Following the closure of Boracay island in the Philippines earlier this year and the expected closure of Maya Bay in Thailand, the news about a ban just on overnight stays on the Similan islands sounds almost like a relief.