Three more popular Thai islands shutting down to save coral reefs

Big news for anyone planning a trip to Thailand this year. Following on from last week’s news about the indefinite closure of Koh Tachai, the Thai government has announced a new tourist ban on visiting a trio of idyllic islands off the east coast of Phuket. According to Phuket News, Koh Khai Nok, Koh Khai Nui and Koh Khai Nai will be off-limits to tourists in a bid to prevent further damage to endangered coral reefs in the area.

Koh Khai Nok Island, Phuket Diterjemahkan sebagai Pulau Telur, pulau ini memang kecil dengan warung dan restoran ditengahnya. Dengan lautnya yang jernih turis bisa bermain dengan ikan kecil dekat pantai. #kohkhainok #khaiisland #phuket #thailandbeach #adventureideas

A photo posted by Adventure Ideas (@adventureideas) on Apr 20, 2016 at 10:55pm PDT

Department of Marine and Coastal Resources regional chief Watcharin Na Thalang highlighted a recent report by the Phuket Marine Biology Centre which found that the number of speed boats, as well as increasing numbers of restaurants and shops, are diminishing existing natural resources in the coastal areas around the three islands.

#เกาะใข่ใน #พังงา #ประเทศไทย #kohkhainai #phangnga #Island #umbrella #sea #beach #skyview #thailand A photo posted by @arthur_ks on May 16, 2015 at 6:05am PDT

“Tour groups spend at least three hours swimming, feeding fish and snorkelling in the water, which severely damages the marine ecosystem, especially on coral reefs,” Mr Watcharin explained. Thai marine officials have ordered the removal of facilities and structures used for tourist activities from all three islands. Shops and restaurants on the islands are also being vacated. If you are planning a trip to Thailand, why not take some inspiration from this envy-inducing adventure taken by six Irish holidaymakers.

WATCH: Six Irish Lads Went On A Trip To Thailand – Prepare To Be VERY Jealous http://t.co/deGN2KaSjZ pic.twitter.com/OOsfwRDwhf

— Her.ie (@Herdotie) October 5, 2014