RAYONG, THAILAND – Park rangers at Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park banned tourist stone-stacking after warning it was killing small animals and damaging the local ecosystem.
Stone stacks turn deadly for small wildlife
What looked like a harmless holiday trend at the Khao Laem Ya viewpoint had become a serious threat to crabs, other crustaceans and reptiles hiding under rocks. Under every overturned stone, small animals were disturbed or exposed.
“Even moving a single stone can injure or kill these animals,”
said the park rangers.
Their habitats were described as being completely destroyed by the repeated rearranging of rocks, turning the popular stone towers into death traps for countless tiny organisms.
Waterways and fragile plants at risk
The park authority reported that the stone piles disrupted the natural flow of water in streams and accelerated soil erosion. This physical alteration of the landscape extended the damage far beyond individual animals.
Slow-growing mosses and algae were also harmed when stones were removed or stacked. According to the park, these plants were vital for the survival of the entire ecosystem.
“Stone-stacking should be avoided at all natural attractions,”
said the rangers.
Hidden danger for hikers and walkers
Beyond environmental impacts, the rock towers created new hazards for visitors. In some areas, natural rock cairns served as important trail markers for hikers.
New, purposeless stacks risked confusing walkers and leading to dangerous misunderstandings on the paths. One internet user described direct personal consequences.
“I have already tripped over such stone piles and fallen,”
said one online user, who warned that visitor safety was at risk.
Strong online support and calls for tougher rules
On Facebook, the park administration received broad approval for the new ban. Many Thai users went further and called for an official law that would introduce penalties for people stacking stones.
“Warning signs in Thai, English and Chinese would help,”
said one commenter.
According to online reactions, the message was clear: nature should remain untouched for future generations.
Simple new rule for all visitors
The park management introduced a straightforward guideline for everyone entering the area.
“Leave the stones where they are, just take photos and leave nothing but footprints,”
said the park administration.
They stated that this simple rule would save animal lives and preserve the beauty of Thailand’s national parks. The move was presented as an important signal for more sustainable tourism and a chance for nature to recover.
What tourists now need to know
Visitors who continued to stack stones in the park now had to expect trouble with the park authorities, who announced they would strictly enforce the ban. Rangers planned closer supervision to ensure compliance.
Holidaymakers were urged instead to enjoy the spectacular landscape without altering it. The park stressed that Thailand’s protected areas would only remain attractive if every visitor behaved responsibly.