The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has refused to reopen Maya Bay despite facing heavy pressure from tour operators, saying tourists upset by the indefinite closure of the famous beach can choose from three other equally attractive options.
Pileh Bay, Loh Moo Dee Bay and Koh Hong in the southern province are all well worth visiting, the department said yesterday.
Songtham Suksawang, director of the DNP, quenched the rumour that Maya Bay would reopen on Nov 1 in a bid to help local tour operators.
The buoys cordoning off the bay will be moved closer to its beach, from 300 metres to 250m from the shore, to provide tour boats with clearer views even if visitors cannot go ashore, Mr Songtham said.
The DNP had earlier announced a temporary closure but changed its mind late last month, saying an indefinite closure would be needed for a full recovery.
Maya Bay became known worldwide following the release of The Beach, the movie released in 2000 based on Alex Garland’s novel and starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
