In 2016, Maya Bay welcomed a staggering 1.73 million visitors, but its popularity devastated its delicate ecosystem.
Fast forward to 2024, and the once-threatened bay stands as a testament to the power of environmental stewardship.
Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a leading marine biologist explains that the target point for Maya Bay was to set up a system that would help us, and would become a permanent system that would still allow tourists to enjoy Maya Bay.
Before the closure, Maya Bay was besieged by over 100 long-tailed boats daily, wreaking havoc on its coral reefs and marine life.
“Before the closure, there were no sharks. Today, there are about 60 sharks in the Maya Bay area.”
Thanks to stringent regulations, only 300 visitors per hour are now permitted, with protective measures such as piers and boardwalks implemented to minimise ecological…
