The Kingdom of Thailand, often known as the "Land of Smiles" is also a land of fabulous diversity,
and nowhere is this more evident than in its crystal seas. With 2,600 kilometres of coastline and
hundreds of idyllic islands, Thailand's waters harbour a mesmerising menagerie of 1ife, from vast
coral reefs, to shoals of brilliantly-coloured fish, to such breathtaking and exotic visitors as manta
rays, turtles, sharks and dolphins.
The seas around Thailand are unusually calm and cleaf, and at a temperature of around 28 degrees,
perfect habitat for more than 200 species of coral and the tens of thousands of different types of
organism they support. But a large part of the reason for Thailand's marine bio-diversity lies
in the fact it comprises two distinct ecosystems.
To the west is the Andaman Sea, part of the lndian Ocean, home to the internationally-renowned
resorts of Phuket and Phi Phi and the world-class diving sites of the Similan and Surin islands.
TO the east stretches the Gulf of Thailand, famed for its laid-back diving havens of Ko Samui
and Ko Tao, and biggest marine national park of the region, Mu Ko Ang Thong. One benefit of
these two systems is that together, unlike other tropical locations, they offer ideal
snorkelling and diving conditions all year round.
The Gulf of Thailand is perfect between May and September, with the Andaman clearest between
October and April. As well as crystal seas teeming with life, Thailand offers laid-back beach life
on golden, palm-fringed shores, all the sports and leisure activities you could desire and a famously
friendly and welcoming people. It's no wonder that every year more and more visitors come back
to marvelat the Land of Smiles.
MARINE ECO-TOURISM
Thailand has responded vigorously to the pressures tourism p1aces on its rich natural
heritage, establishing 18 marine national parks in the last 30 years - as well as more than 70
terrestrial ones. Eco-tourism is a fast-growing market and promises to have a positive effect
on Thailand's environment, adding economic incentives to preserve thailand's natural treasures,
and reminding us all of our responsibilities towards nature.
Many of the activities avai1able on and around Thailand's crystal seas are environmentally sound.
Sea canoeing, windsurfing, biking, walking, swimming, snorkelling and sailing are, when practised
as they shou1d be, perfectly respectful of nature. Diving, the most popular water sport in thailand,
can be just as green.
It goes without saying that quality travellers do not litter or pollute the sea and beaches, or
take part in activities they believe to be harmful to the country or its peoples. Equally, it is bad
for the environment and can be dangerous to injure or to try to take plants, animals or pieces of
Thailand's historical monuments as souvenirs.
Most diving schools in Thailand are highly environmentally sensitive. Dive boats should not anchor
over coral reefs, and when diving, please do not touch or stand on corals, as this kills them.
Touching fish can do the same. Try to dissuade other people from doing so.
By taking these simple steps you ensure that Thailand's seas will be enjoyed as much by future
generations as they are today.
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