Bangkok, Jan. 4 (BNA) The Dream Beach on the Thai island of Ko Phi Phi Leh, known from the Hollywood movie “The Beach”, has reopened to visitors after more than three years.
However, from now on, strict regulations are in place to protect the Maya Bay paradise from the consequences of mass tourism, dpa.
For example, the bay with its turquoise waters is now only open from 7am to 6pm daily. Guests are limited to 375 tourists per hour, with a maximum of 4,125 people allowed to attend per day. Each visit is limited to 60 minutes.
In addition, there is a ban on bathing, as anyone who violates it faces legal consequences.
Moreover, boats are no longer allowed to approach the shore from the bay side, but must moor on the other side of the island, according to news website Thayger.
After the worldwide success of the movie “The Beach” from 2000, directed by Danny Boyle and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, tourists from all over the world actually descended on the beautiful bay.
The carelessly dropped anchors caused massive damage, especially to offshore coral reefs. Due to environmental damage, the Thai government imposed a ban on visitors in June 2018, which was in fact supposed to last only a few months. However, in May 2019, it was extended by two and a half years.
The shutdown was supposed to help nature – especially coral reefs – recover from the years-long onslaught of tourists. Meanwhile, several new corals have been planted, which, according to the authorities, are slowly but surely developing.
FKN