Thailand Reopens Popular Islands and Beaches After Seasonal Closure
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Thailand has reopened its popular western islands and beaches, including the Similan Islands and Maya Bay, after a seasonal closure for ecological recovery. New regulations require advance electronic ticket purchases and passport verification for entry into six marine national parks. These reopenings coincide with increased fees and a shortened visa-exempt period for many international visitors, including Israelis.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Thailand's popular western islands and beaches have reopened after a seasonal closure.
- Entry to six marine national parks now requires advance electronic tickets and passport verification.
- Some areas, like Maya Bay, restrict swimming to protect marine life.
- New fees include airport service charges, an entrance fee, and a departure tax.
- The visa-exempt period for Israelis and others has been reduced from 60 to 30 days.
Thailand's popular western islands and beaches, including the Similan Islands and Maya Bay, have reopened to visitors after a seasonal closure of several months. The closures were implemented to allow ecosystems to recover during the monsoon season. The Similan Islands, a prime diving destination, welcomed over 1,300 tourists on their first day back in mid-October. Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Leh and other reserves in the Phuket, Krabi, and Phang Nga regions have also reopened.
Access to six major marine national parks, including Similan, Surin, Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay, and Koh Lanta, now requires advance purchase of an electronic ticket and passport verification. Some areas, like parts of Maya Bay, remain off-limits for swimming to protect marine life and coral reefs. The Tourism Authority of Thailand suggests visiting less crowded spots along the western coast, such as kayaking in Phang Nga Bay's hidden lagoons, diving in the Surin Islands, exploring pristine beaches in Koh Lipe and the Tarutao archipelago, or visiting the Trang region, home to the rare dugong.
While November is a transitional period with potential for sudden rain or high waves, the dry and stable season is expected to begin in December and last through January, which is the peak tourist period. Visitors are advised to book accommodations and ferry tickets in advance due to high demand and to maintain flexibility with boat tour plans.
This reopening follows recent changes implemented by Thailand for tourists, including increased airport service fees to 1,120 baht, a proposed 450 baht entrance fee, and a 1,000 baht departure tax for flights. Additionally, the visa-exempt period for Israelis and citizens of many other countries has been shortened from 60 to 30 days, necessitating pre-arranged visas or costly visa runs for extended stays.