TOURIST APPEARS TO IGNORE SANCTUARY RULES AND IS DETAINED BY POLICE
WITH VID
BY LAKSHYARTHA SHARMA
Watch this clip where it appears tourist ignores strict environmental protection rules at Thailand’s famous Maya Bay and is swiftly detained by authorities.
Salih Topcuoglu from Heilbronn, Germany, claims to have captured the moment when a tourist ventured into the sea past ankle height despite warnings and signage stating that swimming is forbidden in the protected bay.
Visitors are only allowed to wade in ankle-deep waters to safeguard the natural habitat of baby sharks that now inhabit the area.
Moments after Salih started filming officials intervened, he says that he captured the moment they escorted the man out of the water and took him to the police station.
Maya Bay, which was once closed for several years due to environmental damage caused by overtourism, now enforces strict conservation measures to preserve its fragile marine ecosystem.
The video sparked strong reactions online. One user commented: “His holiday is over. Good luck in Thai jail buddy! Next time respect the rules and culture of the places you're travelling through. This isn't a hate comment, it's a wake up comment.”
Another added: “I remember swimming there 25 years ago, there was about five of us on that beach… it was magical. I’m glad to see Thailand are working hard to protect it.”
ENDS
