April 17, 2025 | 09:01 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Thailand has reopened snorkeling and scuba diving activities in the Phi Phi Islands, after a year-long ban due to severe coral bleaching.
These activities have resumed in 10 designated locations within the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi. Sangseelee Chongthong, head of Thailand's national park, stated that the decision was made after promising signs of coral reef recovery.
"The coral is healing well, and surveys show that the marine ecosystem is bouncing back. We’ve decided to lift the restrictions imposed last year and reopen the approved diving and snorkeling zones," Sangseelee said, as quoted by Thaiger, on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
The activity was suspended after two official orders dated May 13 and June 22, 2024, which was done to allow coral reefs to regenerate.
The reopened zones include the northern and eastern sides of Koh Kai, northern Koh Poda near Matang Ming, Ao Pu Ya of Koh Poda, Koh Daeng, Ao Railay (also known as Bird’s Nest Island or Happy Island), Koh Yawasum, Ao Loh Ba Gao, the northern side of Viking Cave, and the waters in front of Ao Pileh. However, the western side of Koh Kai (Ao Khang Khao) remains off-limits to protect more fragile coral beds.
Park officials urge visitors, tour operators, and boat captains to strictly adhere to marine conservation regulations. These rules include no littering, no food waste disposal into the sea, no anchoring on coral reefs, and a hands-off policy on all marine life and corals.
“We’re counting on everyone to respect the rules. Coral takes years to recover, but only seconds to destroy,” Sangseelee warned.
This reopening is good news for local tourism, which has long relied on the reputation of Phi Phi Islands as a diving paradise. But officials stress the great responsibility that comes with it, urging proper behavior and ecological awareness to ensure the coral reefs remain stunning for future generations.
THAIGER | NATION THAILAND
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