Tourism
Authorities Crack Down on Diving Boats at Koh Racha Yai
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has taken action against diving boats violating marine protection regulations near Koh Racha Yai in Phuket.
On September 4, 2026, Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Suchart Chomklin, ordered the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) to take legal action against diving boats found violating environmental protection measures at Koh Racha Yai, Phuket. The intervention followed anonymous reports from local residents regarding vessels moored directly to buoy bases at Ao Tue for several consecutive days.
According to the DMCR, this practice violates the 2026 ministerial regulations concerning the protection of coral reefs and marine resources in the Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi areas. Officials noted that tying vessels directly to buoy bases poses a significant risk to the ecosystem; the tension from the boats and wave action can cause buoy bases to shift, potentially dragging them across coral reefs and causing physical damage. Furthermore, the unauthorized long-term mooring prevents other vessels from utilizing the public buoys.
For travelers and residents, this enforcement highlights the government's commitment to preserving the marine environment in popular tourist destinations. While the DMCR has initiated legal proceedings against the identified vessels, it remains to be confirmed how these regulations will be further enforced to prevent future violations and whether additional restrictions on mooring practices will be implemented in other protected zones.