An indefinite ban on diving much of Thailand’s Andaman coast has been put in place by Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife & Conservation. The department is acting to address coral damage taking place across Thailand’s Andaman Sea dive sites.
Effective from 21st January 2011, the Thailand diving ban affects areas including the Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Krabi Province including Hin Klang off Koh Phi Phi, and dive sites in Tarutao National Park, (visited from Koh Lipe).
It’s been reported that a very high percentage of coral bleaching has occurred in these areas, and the Thailand diving ban serves as an effort to give coral reefs a chance to recover.
These closed dive sites are likely to have a strong effect on diving tourism for Thailand’s Andaman coast, which is currently midway through peak season. In some areas, new dive sites have been opened providing alternatives to Thailand’s closed dive sites.
Meanwhile the weather is fantastic here on Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand – hot and sunny, flat ocean and good visibility. So if you are unlucky enough to have your Andaman diving plans disrupted, come and see us on Koh Tao – we’re still out enjoying the scuba diving each day.
