Bangkok:The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) has introduced stringent diving regulations aimed at preserving the underwater ecosystems of Thailand's coral reefs. These measures are intended to mitigate the damage caused by tourism activities and to revive the marine environment.

According to Thai News Agency, the regulations were established to address issues arising from scuba diving tourism, where tourists often lack basic knowledge about coral reefs. This lack of awareness has led to significant harm, with tourists inadvertently damaging corals by trampling, finning, or standing on them for photographs. The DMCR seeks to control these activities to prevent further degradation of the coral ecosystems.

The new regulations, as part of the Ministerial Announcement by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, came into effect on April 22, 2025. They include 11 key rules that clearly define the roles of diving operators and supervisors. A critical aspect of the regulations is the requirement for dive supervisors to accompany tourists at all times and ensure they wear life jackets during snorkeling. Supervisors must also be certified through a specialized course from the DMCR.

Additionally, the regulations set specific ratios for supervisors to tourists during diving activities. For instance, there must be one supervisor for every four scuba divers and one for every twenty snorkelers. These measures are designed to ensure that diving activities do not harm the coral reefs and that tourists are educated on the importance of preserving marine life.

Inspections have been conducted over the past nine months at various diving locations, including Koh Racha, Koh Tao, and Koh Lan. No violations have been found so far, but non-compliance with the regulations can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment or fines. The DMCR is committed to supporting local operators by providing free training and certification courses, with plans to expand access to these programs by 2027.