Phuket–
Thai officials have taken swift action against tourists caught consuming alcohol in the protected waters of Ao Pileh Lagoon within the Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. The incident, which surfaced through public reports, led to fines for the violators and reinforced strict measures against unlawful activities in conservation areas.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) told the Phuket Express that they have ordered heightened vigilance among tour operators and boat crews after the issue came to light in Phuket social media. The tour company responsible for the offending group has been fined and barred from entering the national park. Additionally, authorities are working to identify and penalize the tourists involved under Thai environmental protection laws.
According to the Park Chief Saengsuree Songthong, officials responded immediately upon receiving visual evidence of the incident over the past weekend. Investigations revealed that the tourists had chartered a private speedboat and engaged in drinking while swimming—an act explicitly prohibited under national park regulations.
“This violation is a clear breach of park policies that are designed to preserve the ecological integrity of our waters. We regularly remind tour operators and visitors of these rules through signage and briefings, yet some fail to comply,” he stated.
In response, the DNP director-general instructed officials to reinforce awareness campaigns and ensure stricter enforcement of entry regulations. All tourism operators have been warned to uphold park guidelines, particularly the ban on alcohol consumption. Furthermore, the speedboat operator involved has been blacklisted from national park areas.
The local police station in Phi Phi has also been enlisted to help locate the tourists responsible, collaborating with boat operators, tour guides, and the public to gather additional intelligence. Authorities encourage citizens to report any similar infractions to expedite enforcement measures.
