The entire diving community in Thailand heartily welcomed some uplifting news last week. The Thai government declared that all sunscreens containing harmful chemical substances for coral reefs are banned from all marine national parks nationwide. The government based their decision on scientific data showcasing these chemicals “deteriorate coral reefs, destroy coral larvae, obstruct their reproductive system and cause coral reef bleaching.” The ban applies to sun lotions containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor or butylparaben. Violations of the ban can lead to a steep fine (max 100,000 THB or 3,000 USD), although officials have not said how they plan to enforce the ban. Thailand is not the first country to introduce such a ban: Palau, Hawaii, and France were earlier trendsetters.
Almost 70 different known species of sea snakes roam around our oceans and they usually get to be about 2 meters long. They are equipped with paddle-like tails and many have laterally compressed bodies that give them an eel-like appearance. However, unlike eels, sea snakes don’t have gills and must regularly swim to the surface to breathe. Despite their (in)famous potent venom, sea snakes are generally very mild-tempered and will not bite unless provoked. Best to watch their beauty from a safe distance!
Any diving holiday with The Junk Liveaboards is an amazing adventure in itself, with spectacular diving, breathtaking sunsets, newly formed friendships and memories to treasure. For our guests on board The Junk and The Phinisi we always go the extra mile on every trip, offering an opportunity to step on land for an island visit.
Up in the Surin Islands, we take you ashore to visit a Moken village. The Moken people are a remarkable group of sea gypsies who have taken up permanent residence on one of the Surin Islands. They are nomadic sea people who used to live and travel between the islands of Western Thailand and Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago. Traditionally, the Moken lived on their Kabang houseboats in the dry months and lived on land in temporary villages during the monsoon.
