New Delhi: In a bid to revive the negative effects of tourism on beaches coral reefs around Koh Tachai island, Thai authorities have decided to close the island to visitors for an indefinite period, starting from October, the Bangkok Post reported.
The island, off Phang Nga province, is part of the Similan National Park and is considered as one of the most beautiful spots in Thailand.
Almost all marine national parks are closed from mid-May to mid-October, for monsoon season, but Tachai island will remain closed indifenitely, added the report.
According to Tunya Netithammakul, director general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation, the closure aims to ease negative effects on natural resources and the environment as a result of heavy tourism activities in the Similan National Park, a natural conservation area.
However, two deep dive sites in the Similan Islands remain open to divers and tourists.
Thailand, famous for its tropical islands and beaches, sees tens of millions of tourists each year.
