Maya Bay, just 200 metres long, receives up to 5,000 visitors a day. About 300 speedboat trips are made here every day.
Fines are so low – often only 500baht (£12) – that the rules are routinely flouted in the National Park.
Fishing is managed poorly and with the use of chemicals and dynamite causes damage to the reefs.
80% of the coral around the bay has been destroyed.
Millions of boats dropping anchor on it, tourists treading on and picking it, or poisoning by rubbish and suncream.
It was then pushed by tourism officials in advertising campaigns to entice more wealthy visitors to Thailand.
“It needs just a small break to heal.” local Thai guide.
“It’s amazing, better even than the pictures, I can’t believe how blue the water is,”American tourist Chad Roberts.
The paradise location of The Beach, Danny Boyle’s 2000 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
Maya Bay and Boracay could be shut down for up to six months to give the environment a chance to recover.
80% of the coral that remains is at risk.
Fishing is an essential source of food and money for local residents.
Thailand is a poor country and needs money to improve the standard of living of its citizens.
