Environment

Phi Phi’s Maya Bay won’t reopen until fully rehabilitated

Published

1 year ago

Monday, May 18, 2020

Jack Burton

PHOTOS: Nation Thailand

Maya Bay, Krabi’s main tourist attraction since it was featured in the 2000 Leonardo DiCaprio film ‘The Beach’, will remain closed as natural rehabilitation of the beach and bay continues, after vast areas of coral were destroyed by excess tourism and boat traffic.

Indefinitely.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment says that in future boats will not be allowed to enter Maya Bay except from the back side of the island. Yesterday the minister visited Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Ley to inspect the progress of the recovery of both the land and marine environment. He says corals are not recovering as quickly as expected.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation announced the closure of Maya Bay on June 1, 2018, banning tourism and related businesses.

“Maya Bay has been rehabilitated for the past year, and there has been great recovery.”

“On the land, many plants, even Morning Glory never seen on Maya Bay before, are growing well. But under the sea, corals are still in a dangerous condition. Many coral species grow at a rate of only 3-5 centimetres in a year, while some species grow only 1-2 centimetres.”

The minister examined the idea of building a harbour at the back of Maya Bay in Loh Samah Bay. A team of academics and environmental experts are inspecting the area. Ships and other marine vehicles will not be allowed to enter Maya Bay directly.

“Maya Bay will not be permanently closed. When the coral growth is complete, then this place will be open to tourists from all over the world.”

Phi Phi's Maya Bay won't reopen until fully rehabilitated | News by Thaiger

SOURCE: Nation Thailand

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Jack Burton

Jack Burton is an American writer, broadcaster, linguist and journalist who has lived in Asia since 1987. A native of the state of Georgia, he attended the The University of Georgia's Henry Grady School of Journalism, which hands out journalism's prestigious Peabody Awards. His works have appeared in The China Post, The South China Morning Post, The International Herald Tribune and many magazines throughout Asia and the world. He is fluent in Mandarin and has appeared on television and radio for decades in Taiwan, Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.