The recommendations were submitted to the country’s National Parks Department. The policy advisor noted that the combined Phi Phi and Hat Noppharat Thara national park zone covered 80,000 acres but it was patrolled by just four officials who had two boats at their disposal.
Senior park director Boonam Chuayradom told reporters this week that the proposal for new buoys was under consideration. He said the first request if it was approved would cover the cost of 125 buoys.
He noted that buoys were not the only measure needed to preserve the Jewel of the Andaman for posterity. The director continued with the warning that both tour companies and tourists needed to avoid damaging coral and leaving rubbish behind.
The Phi Phi archipelago is 50kms from Phuket and can be reached by ferry from here or from Krabi. 12GO ASIA offers combined bus-ferry tickets from Bangkok and other locations in Thailand.
Phi Phi Islands need more protective resources
News in Asia
A Thai government specialist has recommended that resources to protect the Phi Phi islands are increased. Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat says the southern Andaman Sea islands need more patrol boats, more park rangers and more buoys to cordon off and protect corals.