Thailand bans tourists from using sunscreen at marine parks

To protect coral reefs, the Thai government has enacted a new law banning the use of sunscreen in all national marine parks. The regulation, which took effect on August 4, applies to both visitors and locals. Anyone caught violating the ban could face a fine of up to 100,000 baht (around $3,022).

The decision was made after research showed that certain chemicals commonly found in sunscreen - such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, 4 - methylbenzylidene camphor, and butylparaben - can harm coral reefs. These substances are believed to disrupt the growth and reproduction of coral, even in very small amounts. Studies have also found that chemical UV filters used in sunscreens and cosmetics negatively affect marine life, especially young coral reefs.

Chemicals in sunscreen can cause rapid bleaching of coral - Photo: Financial Times

Coral is a living organism that grows extremely slowly, with some species increasing in size by only about two centimeters each year. The coral reefs that divers see today have taken thousands of years to form. However, exposure to harmful sunscreen chemicals, combined with climate change and pollution, can severely damage these fragile ecosystems, preventing coral from growing and leading to mass coral death.

Scientists estimate that half of the world’s coral reefs have been destroyed over the past 30 years. Without urgent conservation efforts, up to 90% could disappear within the next century. The Thai government hopes that this sunscreen ban will help preserve the country’s coral reefs and marine biodiversity for generations to come.

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