After the six-month annual closure, to allow the ecosystem to recover, the popular tourist attractions of the Similan and Surin islands, off the coast of Thailand’s southern province of Phang-nga, officially reopened today (Sunday).
Sarayuth Paso, chief of the Similan Islands National Park, said today that the closure for the rainy season, during which travel is unsafe due to strong winds and high waves, ended yesterday and the marine park is now ready to welcome tourists until May 15th next year.
Since the weather is fine and the sea is calm, he said he decided to reopen the marine park, adding however that, if he finds the weather conditions become unsafe for sea travel, he may close it again.
He also said that, during the six-month closure, the facilities on the Similan islands have been improved, such as the accommodation, toilets, restaurants and mooring buoys for tourist boats. He added that security on the two islands has also been increased.
Phang-nga Governor Supoj Na Nongkhai and officials from tourism agencies conducted an inspection trip of the pier at Tab Lamu in Thai Muang district today, to make sure that all the tourist boats meet the safety standards, with enough life jackets for all passengers and all skippers having operating licenses.
Stressing the importance of tourism as a major source of revenue for the province, the governor said that it is important that the safety of tourists is a top priority, so they can enjoy their trips.
A tour operator, Lertsak Ponklin, said that about 200 tourists, mostly foreigners, had bought island trips from his company today, as he anticipates more tourists this year than last.
The Surin islands are an archipelago of five islands in Mu Ko Surin National Park. They are located about 55km from the coast in Phang-nga and about 100km from the Similan islands.
