The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has confirmed widespread coral bleaching across 21 marine national parks in Thailand, spanning both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. The data, collected from April 2 to May 29, 2024, reveals extensive damage.
In the Gulf of Thailand, nine marine national parks have been affected. These include Mu Ko Chang National Park, Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park, Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Hat Wanakon National Park, Ao Siam National Park (under preparation), Mu Ko Chumphon National Park, Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, Than Sadet-Ko Pha-ngan National Park, and Hat Khanom – Mu Ko Thale Tai National Park (under preparation).
In the Andaman Sea, twelve marine national parks are experiencing coral bleaching. These are Mu Ko Ranong National Park, Mu Ko Surin National Park, Mu Ko Similan National Park, Laem Son National Park, Sirinat National Park, Ao Phang Nga National Park, Than Bok Khorani National Park, Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, Mu Ko Lanta National Park, Hat Chao Mai National Park, Mu Ko Phetra National Park, and Tarutao National Park.
A total of 163 sites within these parks show signs of bleaching. Severe bleaching (over 50% affected) has been observed at 63 sites, moderate bleaching (11-50%) at 61 sites, mild bleaching (1-10%) at 37 sites, and pale corals at 2 sites. Furthermore, 7 sites reported coral death due to bleaching, ranging from 1-10%.
In response, the Department has ordered all marine national parks to closely monitor the situation. Should the risk of a bleaching crisis escalate, park managers are advised to consider closing affected areas to tourism to mitigate further damage. Reports indicate that 12 marine tourist sites within these parks have already been closed, with 6 closing seasonally and another 6 due to emergency circumstances.
Recent surveys and monitoring by marine national parks and the Marine National Park Operation Centers 1-5 show that, currently, there is no significant increase in severe bleaching, thanks to the onset of the rainy season from May to October. Increased rainfall and cloud cover help reduce sea temperatures, averaging 30-31 degrees Celsius, and in some areas, cool currents have further improved conditions.
Looking ahead, environmental factors are expected to contribute to an overall improvement in the coral bleaching situation. Some areas with healthy coral reefs will continue to serve as sources for coral regeneration. To prevent further damage, certain national parks have implemented measures to close tourism sites, minimizing human activities that could exacerbate the bleaching process until the situation stabilizes.
Officials, including Director-General Attapol Charoenchansa, have emphasized the importance of these actions to protect and conserve Thailand’s marine biodiversity. The collaborative efforts of the national parks, along with ongoing monitoring and adaptive management, aim to ensure the resilience and recovery of affected coral reefs.
