All three were Thai tourists who were fined Bt1,500 per person, he added. They believed that the coral was a normal rock, but we clarified that it was actually mountain coral, so they apologised and admitted to their offence,” he said. He added that tourism activities and touching the coral disrupted the reef’s recovery, because such activities could affect the growth of new young coral and endanger the entire reef. “I believe that there are many beautiful locations in this national park where tourists can pose and take pictures without harming the underwater ecosystem,” he said. Phuttipot said the area where the tourists had taken photos was not inside the restricted area of Ao Mae Yai Bay, but in an area designated for diving.

Source: The Nation Bangkok February 08, 2018 12:00 UTC