The government has closed Maya Bay to visitors at least through the upcoming tourist season.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation ordered that the area be kept off limits until its coastal and marine ecosystems have completely recovered from damage inflicted by tourists. As part of the restoration project, new coral has been added and the reef has almost recovered, officials say, though it may take some time to recuperate. Environmentalists insist that it is still too early to reopen the bay.
The decision is opposed by tourist organizations, which believe that the closure will affect tourism development in Phi Phi and Krabi.