Thailand, Malaysia to Follow Duterte’s Plan to Close Tourists Islands

At least two Asian countries said they were inspired by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s move to repair the Boracay Island and other eco-tourisms sites.

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Thailand and Malaysia, both popular South-Asian tourists destinations, said they will follow Mr. Duterte’s move to clean-up their tourist islands for rehabilitation.

Thailand will shut Maya Bay, which famously featured in "The Beach", starring Leonardo DiCaprio, for four months a year, from June.

In the Philippines, officials plan to close Boracay island for six months at the end of April.

"Islands have very fragile eco-systems that simply cannot handle so many people, pollution from boats and beachfront hotels," said Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a marine expert in Bangkok.

"Coral reefs have been degraded by warmer seas and overcrowding. Sometimes, a complete closure is the only way for nature to heal," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

In Malaysia, authorities are planning to close the Langkawi Island for visitors for four months. Langkawi is one of the most famous vacation spots in South Asia and the most popular summer destination in Malaysia.

Both Thailand and Malaysia said their effort were triggered by the Philippines’ move to clean-up its famous Boracay Island.
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