The once-pristine Thai bay which became a tourist magnet after the
2000 movie “The Beach” will be closed to boats for several months to
prevent further damage to its coral, an official said Wednesday.
Hordes of tourists flock daily to Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Ley for
selfies in front of the famed limestone cliffs and blue waters, leading
to complaints of environmental damage to the water and sand.
But the picture-postcard beach of the Leonardo DiCaprio film will be
closed to boats from June to September this year, Worapoj Lomlim of the
Phi Phi islands National Parks told AFP.
“For around 20 years the bay has welcomed boats to moor in front of
the beach… but their engines have damaged coral reefs and caused
problems with the sand,” he said.
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“Overcrowded tourist boats have also blocked the view,” he added,
saying tourists will still be able to reach the beach by foot from an
adjacent bay where boats can park.
The closure is the latest effort to mitigate damage caused by
tourism, a crucial pillar of Thailand’s economy with more than 35
million travelers visiting last year.
But environmental experts and officials are worried the mass tourism
is causing irreversible damage to idyllic beaches, with litter and
unchecked development disrupting local ecosystems.
Smoking has already been banned on 20 of the country’s most famous
beaches this high season, with a hefty fine or even jail for those who
flout the new rule.
