A SOCIAL MEDIA post drawing attention to coral reefs at Koh Lipe, which is part of the much larger Tarutao National Marine Park, being damaged by tourists led to Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Varawut Silpa-archa tightening control, Matichon newspaper said today (Jan. 27).
Action was taken after a post on Facebook page entitled “A Trip to Koh Lipe and the Andaman Sea Powered by Lipe Lovers” said that there no longer seems to be any warning signs or officials around at Koh Lipe to protect coral reefs.
The writer then mentioned that one morning when the tide had receded Chinese tourists were seen treading of corals which they thought were rocks. She had to shout out to them to stop.
She added that if this continues there will be nothing left for the people to see in future.
Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation’s Acting Director Atthaphon Charoenchansa said it had been found out that the area concerned is where Idyllic Hotel is located. No signs or buoys were put up or floated there because this is not designated as a snorkelling area
However the minister, Varawut Silpa-archa, has now ordered the department to accelerate installing signs and buoys as well as step up publicising the rules for visiting a national marine park to protect the beautiful coral reefs.
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Beautiful beaches at Koh Lipe. Top photo: Thai Rath, Front Page photo: Sanook.com
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