KRABI, THAILAND – A viral video showing tourists trampling fragile coral in a protected marine park near the Phi Phi Islands has triggered public outrage and a police manhunt for the tour guide involved.
Tourists filmed trampling coral reef
The online footage caused a wave of anger as visitors were seen standing with their feet directly on the sensitive reef near the Viking Cave. Each step destroyed living organisms that had taken decades to grow.
The area was considered strictly protected, with red buoys marking the boundaries intended to shield the coral from exactly this kind of damage. According to officials, the tourists ignored the rules and showed no regard for the natural environment.
Authorities search for tour guide
The national park administration reacted immediately to the outcry. Officials began urgently searching for the tour guide and the tour company responsible for the trip.
Those who disregard nature in this way faced severe penalties under Thai law, authorities emphasized. Legal steps were already under way to hold the company and individuals accountable.
National park defends its controls
Following criticism that supervision in the area had been too lax, the park management issued a statement. Patrols were said to be regularly deployed to monitor the protected zone, and all tour operators were familiar with the strict regulations.
The boundaries of the area were clearly marked with lines and buoys, and there were fixed times during which boats were allowed to enter. Despite these controls, the group managed to break the rules without being stopped.
Public urged to report violations
The park administration appealed to the public for help. Anyone witnessing misconduct by tourists or guides was asked to report it immediately via a hotline so that the marine “paradise” could be preserved in the long term.
Every tip would help officials to identify and remove the “black sheep” of the tourism industry. The video now served as the key piece of evidence against the leader of the group.
“The message is clear: we will not look the other way.”
said park officials, according to the report.