Thailand: Maya Bay closed to visitors indefinitely /update 1

Event

Thai authorities have indefinitely closed Maya Bay (Phi Phi archipelago) to all visitors to allow for coral reefs in the bay to recover. A previous temporary closure was set to end on September 30. However, Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation announced that marine ecosystems would require considerably more time to recover from the damage caused by the large influx of tourists. It is unclear when the bay may reopen to visitors.

Context

Maya Bay attracted an average of 5000 visitors per day. According to environmental officials, the large numbers of visitors severely damaged the coral reefs present in the bay.

Advice

Travelers are advised to take note of the above information, to plan accordingly, and to adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.