Thailand's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources Implements New Diving Regulations
Thai authorities are introducing stricter diving guidelines to protect coral reefs from damage caused by tourism activities in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) in Thailand has announced new measures to regulate diving activities, aiming to mitigate the environmental impact on coral reefs. According to Khaosod Online, officials have expressed significant concern over the degradation of marine ecosystems caused by tourists stepping on coral, breaking branches for photos, or damaging reefs with diving fins.
Data from the DMCR highlights the scale of the issue, noting that during peak season, popular locations like Racha Island in Phuket can host 50 to 70 boats daily, each carrying approximately 20 tourists. Experts Praphaporn Waiprib and Rawiporn Boonmanum emphasize that many tourists lack basic knowledge, often unaware that coral is a living animal rather than a rock. The department identified a lack of close supervision by tour operators and instructors as a primary contributor to the damage.
These new regulations are intended to transition from policy to practical enforcement, ensuring that diving activities do not continue to harm these fragile habitats. For travelers and residents, this may mean more stringent briefings and stricter monitoring during diving excursions. While the government is pushing for these protections, specific details regarding potential penalties for non-compliance or the exact timeline for full implementation across all dive sites remain to be confirmed.
