Whilst these new regulations are aimed at the droves of Thai speed boats carrying up to 40 tourists at a time that anchor in coral/shallow areas, it is advisable to avoid these protected areas and anchor elsewhere – where you will probably have a much more peaceful time anyway.

Published 8 years ago, updated 6 years ago

This message is from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR).

It makes reference to NEW REGULATIONS applying to ‘tourism boats” for better marine natural resources protection and recovery of coral bleaching.

The points that apply to visiting yachts are:

1. Access to some areas will be restricted and anchorage forbidden:

• For Phuket province: Koh Maiton and Koh Racha (Yai and Noi), Cape Panwa ( Ao Yon), Kho Kai Nock etc.
• In Gulf of Siam: Rayong, Prachuabkirikan , Chumpon

2. All vessels (Foreign yachts included) cruising in these areas must be registered with the DMCR at the local office. Kindly check with the authority in your area (in Phuket the DMCR office is next to the Aquarium).

The law has been issued on the Royal Decree on the date of 19 May 2016, effective from that day onwards.