Ten marine parks in the Gulf and the Andaman Sea have been affected by moderate to extensive coral bleaching, forcing park officials to suspend aquatic activities, such as diving and kayaking, to protect the remaining corals and to allow the bleaching corals to rehabilitate.

Widespread coral bleaching forces the closure of areas around Phi Phi islands

According to Suthin Prompaland, chief of the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park in Surat Thani province, between 40% and 75% of the coral in the park have bleached, particularly in April when the situation was at its worst, due mainly to the unusual warmth of the sea water, measured at up to 32oC.

Full story: thaipbsworld.com

By Thai PBS World