Maya Bay (Photo courtesy of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park)The beach, surrounded by 100-metre (328-ft) highcliffs, lies on the island of Phi Phi Leh in the Andaman Sea, and is onlyaccessible by boats from nearby spots such as the islands of Phuket or Phi Phi,or mainland Krabi.
Authorities shut the whole of Maya Bay to the publicin 2018, saying coral reefs and beach areas had been damaged by constanttourist activities. But since the start of this year some visitors have beenallowed to return, according to Bangkok Post.
Yuthasak Supasorn, the governor of the TourismAuthority of Thailand said the sharks have come back, coral reefs areregrowing, and the water is clear again.
To ensure it remains protected, authorities said onlyup to 375 visitors will be allowed to visit at one time and swimming will beprohibited for now. Boats will only be allowed to dock at a designated locationat the back of the bay to avoid damaging coral reefs, they said.
Before the coronavirus pandemic, tourism accounted forabout 12 percent of Thailand's economy and was a key driver of growth, with thecountry attracting 40 million visitors in 2019./.
VNA
