“There are many problems, such as oil from boats, rubbish and the effect on the local lifestyle on the islands, which is difficult to rehabilitate in the short term,” Songtham said after a Department of National Parks and Wildlife crisis meeting this week.
Thailand is considering a move to restrict the number of the tourists visiting the country’s national marine parks.
Songtham Suksawang, chief of National Parks Office, said that the environment of marine parks is being harmed by over-tourism.
“There are many problems, such as oil from boats, rubbish and the effect on the local lifestyle on the islands, which is difficult to rehabilitate in the short term,” Songtham said after a Department of National Parks and Wildlife crisis meeting this week.
A study of the effects of tourism will focus on the islands that are most popular, including Similan, Phi Phi and in Phang Nga Bay.
Songtham added, “The limiting of tourists and an increase in customer fees are possible if the environment continues to be damaged by too much tourism.”
This week a fire caused destruction across several hotels, shop houses and restaurants in Phi Phi Island after a gas cylinder exploded in a small hotel.