Similans ready to reopen for tourism after being out of bounds for seven months

[rooster59]

Similans ready to reopen for tourism after being out of bounds for seven months

By THE NATION

 

(File Photo)

 

Mu Koh Similan National Park officials on Friday brought tourism entrepreneurs and the press to witness its natural beauty and readiness to reopen for tourists in the upcoming high season from October 15 onwards.

 

 

The Department of National Parks (DNP) had announced the closure of Similan Islands in Phang Nga province since March due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The shutdown has prolonged for seven months this year compared to other years when the islands close during the monsoon season from May-October.

 

The group of visitors were taken to Island 8 (Ko Similan), Island 4 (Ko Miang), the Kuerk Bay, the Lan Kha Luang scenic point and the Nah Beach or Princess Beach, which is Phang Nga’s longest white beach with crystal clear water.

 

(File Photo)

 

The park also said that when the islands open on October 15, all visitors would have to maintain social distancing to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

 

“Traveling in the new normal could provide a better experience for Thai tourists, as the islands’ natural beauty is now fully restored after seven months' closure, while there are no foreign tourists allowed, resulting in the areas becoming less crowded,” said the park officials.

 

A representative of Love Andaman Tour agency, who participated in the trip, said that this year the company would focus on eco-friendly tourism by urging tourists to conserve natural resources and aquatic wildlife. “We will start dispatching our tour-guided boats from October 15. Currently customers are starting to call in to make reservations,” he added.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/travel/30395975

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2020-10-11

 

- Whatever you're going through, the Samaritans are here for you

- Follow Thaivisa on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

 

[2long]

It's great news that the islands have recovered and the authorities and Love Andaman appear to care about eco tourism, BUT.... bellies need filling, boats need rental fees and fuel, and the few Thais lucky enough to go will not pay even Farang price to enter the parks, let alone any higher prices that would be required to not only police the parks by the rangers, but also to uphold the lavish lifestyles of all those involved who have enjoyed years of success.

There surely must be a middle ground to minimise the impact but still generate income. My suggestion is limit reef-smashing snorkellers who can barely swim, and at the same time as charging them the same as divers. And allow divers (who stay away from shallow reefs and can maintain buoyancy) to come in unlimited* numbers.

*unlimited for now, but capped when or if the country opens up fully.

[Elkski]

It would be so nice to be rich and connected in Thailand.  To be able ti go to Similans the first week they open on some PR gig every year. I see at least one  IG gal I follow is there.   I've been told its the onky diving in Thailand that is worth much for us spoiled  Caribbean divers.  

Perhaps with boats that sink they should limit the cattle boats to 20 plus no more than a certain number of boats at a time on the reef and some sort of  super high fine for any capt who lets one of his passengers stand on a reef like I saw so much in Phuket area.    These Chinese can swim much like Thai people and they need pictures so they stood up on the reef.