Tourism operators call for reopening of Trang sea

Representatives of tourism business operators in the southern province of Trang Monday called on the provincial governor to overrule the order of Trang marine park chief to close five tourist-destination spots in the Trang sea for four months.

Some 50 representatives were led by Prateep Jongthong, president of the Trang Tourism Business Association, Banchong Naruepornmethi, president of the Tourism and Hotel Business Association, and Somchai Jianaisilp, president of the Tourism and Travel Industry Association. They met Trang Governor Somsak Hemthanon at the provincial hall to ask for leniency over the sea closure order.

The order was made by Manote Wongsureerat, chief of the Haad Chao Mai Marine Park. Manote was also present during the meeting.

Manote ordered the closure of the Morakot Cave, Koh Kradan, Koh Chueak, Koh Waen and Koh Mook from June 1 to September 30 during the monsoon season. He reasoned that the sea would be rough and it would be dangerous for tourists to visit the five destinations during the period. Manote also reasoned that the nature would need the four-month period for rehabilitation.

The representatives told the governor that the closure caused a lot of trouble to them because most tourists canceled their trips to Trang since June 1 because Trang’s main selling point is the sea.

The representatives asked the provincial governor to at least reopen Koh Chueak and the Morakot Cave to tourists because the area have no corals that need to be rehabilitated.

The tourism operators promised to strictly complied to the orders and announcements of the park officials regarding to the rough sea and rising sea tides for the safety of tourists.

The governor replied that he has no authority to overrule the park’s order. He promised to pass on the request to the National parks Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department for consideration.