Trang coral extensively damaged after tourist influx over Songkran
A sharp increase in the number of tourists during Songkran caused extensive damage to coral in the national park area of Trang, in southern Thailand.
The damage was caused by tourist numbers overwhelming the area during the week-long Songkran break.
Many boats dropped their anchors onto the fragile underwater area or tied ropes around corals, as there were not enough mooring buoys for the many vessels.
Some boats moored near coral beds when their operators tried to give their customers a closer view, and some even hit the coral.
Officials say that, apart from the Songkran holiday damage, the coral reefs are now starting to bleach, as well.
The head of Hat Chao Mai National Park said there had not been enough staff to handle the influx of tourists during the holiday in the marine park.
Stricter regulations and more mooring buoys are to be set up this week.
Source: Thethaiger.com