Talk of the town part 03.

      The Similan Island's National park is still open. The only 2 dive sites that have been closed are Beacon Reef and East of Eden. All the rest are still open and it is business as usual. The other dive sites are still pretty and waiting for you to visit. Below is the information I got from the news paper and the government.

     "An exceptionally hot period in 2010 maintained water temperature at a high level for so long that 50 percent of corals or more in some areas died from bleaching.

Khun Sunan said tonight that the closures, which could be wound back within three years depending on coral regrowth, would ensure the coral reefs recovered.

The ban on diving would also assist any potential bid by Thailand for UN World Heritage listing for Phuket and the Andaman region, based on its marine treasures, he said.

The list of diving sites where divers could from tomorrow incur a penalty of between 1000 baht and 10,000 baht is:

In Phang Nga province - Mo Koh Surin Island, Ao Sutep, Ao Mai Ngam, Koh Ster, Ao Pakkard; Mo Koh Similan, East of Eden, Ao Faiwab.

In Krabi province - Nopparat Thara Park, Phi Phi, Hin Klang.

In Satun province - Hat Chao Mai National Park, Koh Cher; Mu Ko Phetra National Park, Koh Bulon Mai Pai, Koh Bulon Don; Koh Tarutao National Park, Kohtakiang, Koh Hin Ngam, Koh Rawi, Koh Dong.

In Chumporn province - At Mo Koh Chumporn, Koh Maprao. (in the Gulf of Thailand)"

     Join Khao Lak Scuba Adventures's day trip and live - aboard to the Similan, Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu rock from November until May.