As every year, the Similan Islands and Surin Islands close their doors to visitors for a 5-month period. This annual closure is designed to allow nature to regenerate, ensure the safety of travelers, and improve the infrastructure of these sites. When the islands reopen, visitors will be required to book an electronic entry ticket to access them, a measure that also applies to other marine parks in the country. Let's take a closer look.

Similan and Surin Islands closed to tourists until October 14, 2025

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has announced the closure of tourism activities on the Similan Islands and the Surin Islands for a 5-month period. Starting May 16, 2025, it will no longer be possible to visit these islands located in Phang Nga province until October 14, 2025.

Why are the Similan and Surin Islands closed to visitors?

Allowing nature to regenerate

The closure of the Similan and Surin Islands is an annual measure designed to maintain the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem by reducing the impact of tourist activities, allowing nature to recover and regenerate. Indeed, these archipelagos, located in the Andaman Sea, are true treasures of biodiversity. They are even among the best diving sites in Thailand, given how rich the seabed is.

Ensuring traveler safety

Occurring during the rainy season, the island closure is also designed to guarantee visitor safety in the face of unpredictable weather conditions. Indeed, the sea is rougher during this time of year, making navigation conditions far more dangerous. This measure thus helps prevent weather-related damage, such as boat incidents (ferries or dive boats).

Improving infrastructure and site management

The island closure is also an opportunity for local authorities to improve infrastructure and coordinate with tour operators to better prepare for the next tourism season. Meetings should be organized with tour operators regarding site management and conservation efforts to be implemented.

As stated by Warawut Saengthong, the interim director of Similan Islands National Park: "The experience gained so far during the opening season reveals that certain problems remain to be resolved (...) Some boat operators do not educate tourists about park rules and responsible behavior. Others ignore the environmental impact or even engage in illegal fishing in the marine national park."

In light of this situation, the park has defined six key management strategies to balance resource use with the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems. As explained by Thai news site Khaosod, this includes conducting baseline surveys in all marine ecosystems, improving and maintaining markers and buoys to clearly demarcate protected zones, implementing patrols...

Soon an electronic ticket will be mandatory to visit marine parks

The reopening of the Similan and Surin Islands will be coupled with a new rule. Indeed, starting October 15, 2025, all visitors (Thai or foreign) will be required to book an electronic entry ticket to visit certain marine parks in the country, as announced by Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).

This new measure, aimed at preserving ecosystems, combating corruption, and enhancing user experience, affects 6 marine parks:

• Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi (Krabi),

• Ao Phang Nga (Phang Nga),

• Than Bok Khorani (Krabi),

• Mu Ko Similan (Phang Nga),

• Mu Ko Surin (Phang Nga) and

• Mu Ko Lanta (Krabi).

Not all details of the system are yet known, but visitors will be able to purchase tickets online in advance or on the day of travel, before 8am.