One of Thailand’s most popular beach destinations has closed off public access as crowds of tourists were causing too much damage. Thailand’s Department of National Parks has put an indefinite stop of tourist access to Maya Bay, which was prominently featured in the 2000 film, The Beach.
“We have evaluated each month and found out that the ecological system was seriously destroyed from tourism of up to 5,000 people daily,” said Songtam Suksawang, director, Department of National Parks.
“It’s very difficult to remedy and rehabilitate because its beach was completely destroyed as well as the plants which cover it.”
Thai authorities had previously closed the beach but had planned to reopen in October.
“We won’t close it to tourism forever, but we have to do something to save our sea, and we have to start at Maya Bay.”
