Thai authorities have ordered the removal of all tourist facilities on three small islands off Phuket, citing coral damage due to the sheer volume of sightseers.

All tourist related structures including shops and restaurants will be removed from Koh Khai Nok, Koh Khai Nui and Koh Khai Nai islands and specially designated areas only will be set aside for boat trips in the area.

“We want operators and guides active in Phang Nga and the surrounding areas to understand the rules and procedures in conducting a tour to prevent further damages to our marine natural resources and the coastal area. They must practice environmentally friendly tourism,” said department of marine and coastal resources regional head Watcharin Na Thalang.

“Tour groups spend at least three hours swimming, feeding fish and snorkelling in the water, which severely damages the marine ecosystem, especially on coral reefs.”

Officials are clearing all beach umbrellas and beach chairs in the area. Shops and restaurants on the Koh Khai islands will be removed.

A week ago Thailand said it would close off the island of Koh Tachai in the Andaman Sea for similar reasons.