A report by the Thai Marine and Coastal Resources department has found that Samui’s island and coral reef ecosystem needs to be restored. These waters are home to many rare species, including Irrawaddy and Chinese white dolphins, Bryde’s whales, turtles, and sea cows, but the lack of appropriate sewage and waste treatment facilities on the island has had a disastrous effect on the environment.
In an effort to protect nature, local authorities have banned a number of environmentally unfriendly activities on Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and other Surat Thani’s islands. The activities include: Feeding marine animals; Fishing; Anchoring to coral reefs; Construction; Sewage disposal; and sea-walking.
Mooring buoys will be installed offshore to facilitate marine traffic.
The new ban will become effective in July and remain in force for at least two years so that the environment may recover.