Noppharat Thara–Phi Phi Islands National Park Krabi province has detected "coral bleaching" has returned after water temperatures surged to 32°C, raising the risk of widespread bleaching events.
On 27 April 2026, Mr. Saengsuri Songthong, head of Noppharat Thara–Phi Phi Islands National Park in Krabi province, revealed that underwater surveys to assess marine health showed worrying signs. Dive teams inspecting the coral reefs around Ko Samed within the park's Ao Nang subdistrict reported that 20% of live coral had begun to fade, with some areas starting to bleach. Meanwhile, sea temperatures have risen alarmingly to 32°C, increasing the risk of widespread coral bleaching.
Surveying over 4,000 square meters, officials found multiple coral species affected, including boulder coral, staghorn coral, brain coral, and star coral. Notably, branching staghorn coral showed partial bleaching across entire colonies. Additionally, marine life such as giant clams, soft coral, and sea fans also showed signs of fading coloration.
Officials also installed boundary buoys at Ao Pu Ya on Ko Poda and collected over 25 kilograms of trash from coral areas. They removed fishing traps to prevent further damage to the underwater ecosystem.
However, the bleaching situation remains closely monitored as sea temperatures continue to stay high and are expected to persist, potentially causing more widespread coral bleaching. This threatens the marine resource health and tourism in Krabi province in the long term. Last year, Krabi faced severe coral bleaching in multiple locations, with some areas still not fully recovered. A repeat of this situation this year would be a serious concern.