While many praised the ecological recovery plans, local tourism operators have complained that unclear information over the closing plans and the reopening dates put them at a disadvantage. Discussions with representatives from the private sector and the Federation of Thai Industries suggest that whenever the authority wants to shut down national parks it should mitigate the impact on tour operators, Mr Phuriwat said. Diving business holds upWhile the park and beach closings may affect tourism, diving operators say the measure has had little impact on the diving business, thanks to plenty of beaches elsewhere in the country. He said few dive sites have been closed and there are still plenty of other marine attractions in the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea. "Some dive sites can be visited year-round, such as the Racha and Phi Phi islands," Mr Nivach said.

Source: Bangkok Post June 03, 2019 23:15 UTC