Phuket-
The Sirinat National Park has announced the temporary closure of an island in Thalang after sea water temperatures have increased which has caused coral bleaching.
The head of the Sirinat National Park in Sakoo, Mr. Watchara Songseeon, told the Phuket Express about the closure on Wednesday (May 8th). Intense heat this summer has increased sea water temperatures in many areas including at the Pling Island in the national park area. Much of the coral around the island are shallow coral exposed to the sun and temperature that caused widespread bleaching.
The national park has ordered to temporarily close the island to tourism from now until the situation is relieved. The temporary closure is to prevent more bleaching from tourism activities and to let the coral and environment recover.
The Phuket Express noted warm or hot water temperature is one factor that can cause coral bleaching. High water temperature causes coral to expel their algae and lose their colors then turn white.
The Phuket Express noted the Pling Island is a small beautiful island near the end of the Nai Yang Beach, north of Phuket.
Pling in Thai means leech. There were previously lots of leeches on the island. So locals gave their name to the island.
When the water tide is low, people can walk from the Nai Yang Beach to the island along the sand dunes. The Pling Island is also the signature of the Sakoo sub-district.
