During a diving trip in Phuket, Thailand, three Chinese tourists allegedly touched a starfish and stepped on coral reefs, violating a marine protection law and facing up to two years in prison.
According to the Bangkok Post, two were jailed after their selfie with a starfish went viral on social media. While diving off Koh Racha Yai, they stepped on coral reefs and held up starfish for selfies.
According to the police, a travel agency representative took Sanyang Qin and Wen Zhang to meet investigators at the Chalong station. On Thursday, three Chinese tourists were accused of holding up starfish and climbing on coral reefs to snap photographs while diving at Ao La off Koh Racha Yai.
An investigation conducted by the Phuket Marine and Coastal Resource Conservation Centre revealed that the accused had committed the crime after posting their photos and videos on social media on Friday.
The two tourists admitted wrongdoing in response to police questions. Police intend to bring them before the court after gathering evidence of their disobedience to a ministerial directive for preserving marine resources in Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi.
The third tourist is being sought for the same offense. In recent years, Thailand’s authorities have become increasingly proactive in protecting its marine environment. To help its environs recover from mass tourism, the country has instituted new rules and regulations to protect coral reefs and endangered aquatic species.
Coral reefs under threat
In addition to providing ecosystem services such as food, tourism, coastal protection, and climate regulation, coral reefs are threatened by climate change, pollution, overfishing, and tourism.
According to a report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), more than half of the world’s coral reefs will collapse by 2050. Thailand has about 2 percent of coral reefs, but they have declined by 50 percent in the past three decades.
The Thai government has taken measures to protect and restore its coral reefs, such as banning fishing and anchoring in some areas, establishing marine parks, and promoting coral transplantation. However, it is vital to raise awareness and enforce regulations among tourists and tour operators.
Chinese tourists’ unruly behavior sparks concerns in global travel destinations.
In recent months, increasing incidents involving Chinese tourists exhibiting disruptive behavior have raised concerns in popular travel destinations worldwide. From cultural insensitivity to disregard for local customs, these incidents have strained relationships and sparked calls for greater awareness and education among travelers.
Reports of Chinese tourists misbehaving have emerged from various countries, ranging from unruly behavior on airplanes to damage caused to historical landmarks. These actions have tarnished Chinese tourists’ reputations, strained diplomatic ties, and left local authorities grappling with the issue.
The rise in outbound Chinese tourism, fueled by a growing middle class and easier access to travel, has amplified the impact of such incidents. However, it is important to note that these behaviors are not representative of all Chinese tourists but rather a small minority.
To address these concerns, travel agencies and Chinese authorities work together to promote responsible travel. Initiatives include education campaigns to inform tourists about local customs and etiquette and stricter enforcement of regulations and penalties for misconduct.
Furthermore, the Chinese government has also acknowledged the issue and has taken steps to implement stricter travel guidelines, encouraging its citizens to be respectful and considerate when traveling abroad.
As the number of Chinese tourists continues to rise, both travelers and destination countries must foster mutual understanding and respect. Through effective communication, education, and collaboration, unruly behavior is hoped to diminish, allowing for a more positive and harmonious experience for all involved.