Thai reef closures confirmed

The decision was made by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife & Plant Conservation.

Reefs have suffered from bleaching and the authorities are wary of further damage being caused by divers, snorkellers and swimmers.

Repair processes are slow. The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry says that some sites might need to be closed for five to 10 years to give corals a chance to recover.

"The natural process of deep-sea coral reefs' rehabilitation may take up to 20 years," staff member Nipon Pongsuwan told Thai press.

The closures, which number around 20 sites, involve well known areas off Phuket and along the Andaman coast, in the provinces of Phang Nga, Krabi, Satun and Chumphon.

The sites are in areas including Surin island, the Similan islands, Phi Phi, Tarutao, Chao Mai, Chumphon and Phetra.

However, the closures leave large areas still open to visiting divers.