Phi Phi islands are (again) under their own success
The 2004 Boxing Day tsunami killed thousands on the west coast of Thailand. Fortunately, many islands were 'swept clean' and stripped of all the rotten structures that had been built there over the years. Every opportunity for a new start, especially for the busy Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of Krabi. However, it looks like this beautiful island is once again succumbing to its own success.
Oh yes, plans for a fresh start abounded for the Phi Phi's after the devastating tsunami. The island was to become a model for an environmentally balanced development. But this did not take into account the corrupt Thai government and the fact that operators of hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, discos and so on they just do what they like, without considering the consequences of their actions.
And so the Phi Phi Islands are almost as messed up as before. Development lacks any direction and crime, drug trafficking and pollution are rampant. The drug trade mainly targets (foreign) tourists and teenagers. Waste water flows into the sea uncleaned, causing great damage to the coral. As a result, the Thai eventually slaughter the goose with the golden eggs. The islanders rely heavily on the income from tourism, but there is no question of a balanced approach. Everyone just does.
At least as bad is the state of medical care. Despite the many tens of thousands of visitors every year, Phi Phi only has one clinic, with one doctor and five nurses. And that for more than a hundred patients every day. In fact, there should be a hospital on the island, but bureaucratic red tape prevents that.
I just got back from Thailand a week and also spent a few days on Ko Phi Phi. The damage has already been done and the coral is dead. Save yourself the trouble (and money) of going snorkeling there!!!
It is a pity that they only inform you about the dead coral when you are about to enter the water after a short trip on a longtail boat.
The waste water was not given as the reason for the dead coral, but that the sea water was higher than 30 degrees last summer.
Regards Tim
Thai are never guilty of anything, but this is not news to you…….
…the Pipi islands in a Kaka sea!
If one would check the sea water on the Thai beaches like that in Europe
happens, I think there would be a lot of red flags flying on the “most beautiful beaches
of the world".
Eddie B
Last year Dec. In 2009 I traveled with friends to Phi Phi full of expectations because, during my previous visit in 2005, Maya Bay (the beach) was fantastic snorkeling.
Upon arrival with our rented longtail boat there, a big disappointment awaited us, where in 2005 the bay was filled with a few boats and tourists, it now looked like the Sail. the result was dead coral and little fish left.
Well, it's a shame you think Phi Phi is very popular with tourists.
So this year Nov 2010 to Koh Chang super beautiful island (it still is) even though I'm afraid to see it in 10 years. Because here too things are going fast and the consequences were noticeable after my first visit here 2 years ago.
Koh Chang has a wide range of snorkeling trips but actually HAD 1 beautiful reef where it was good snorkeling 2 years ago. Where this reef was still closed off with a buoy line 2 years ago to protect it, this is now gone and 30% of the entire snorkeling experience is still dead coral, etc.
You can guess what the cause is, but since the boats are now anchoring on top of the coral, meals are thrown overboard, people use the roof of the boat as a springboard. It seems logical to me that the fish have left for quieter places.
All in all, this is a shame because after all, it is the tour operators who are primarily dependent for their income on the natural beauty that they can show tourists. But if that natural beauty disappears, the attraction of their tours will also disappear and (income).
In my opinion, there will be nothing else left within a few years than an Empty Sea cruise tour.
But it must be something about Mai Pen Rai . We'll see.