The attraction on Koh Phi Phi in Krabi’s Mueang district, made globally famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio-starring movie “The Beach”, had initially been closed since June 1 for the four monsoon months until September 30. The decision to extend Maya Bay’s closure was made by the Krabi national park’s 25-strong advisory committee chaired by the provincial governor, Woraphot said, citing that the national park prioritised the protection of natural resources while tourism took a back seat. Since its formal opening for public access in 1999, Maya Bay had until now never been allowed a chance to recover from the impact of increasing tourism, he said. “It is a natural resource of the world – not just exclusively for Krabi people – that nature has created,” he added. But we all have to look at the long-term benefits, not just today and tomorrow,” he stressed.

Source: The Nation Bangkok September 11, 2018 10:30 UTC