In pictures: Thailand reopens Maya Bay after more than three years

Tourists visit Maya bay after Thailand reopened the world-famous beach after closing it for more than three years to allow its ecosystem to recover from the impact of over-tourism, at Krabi province, Thailand. (Source: REUTERS/Photo: Athit Perawongmetha/REUTERS)

A view of Koh Khai Nok island in Phuket province, Thailand. (REUTERS/Jorge Silva)

The beach, surrounded by 100-metre (328-ft) high cliffs, lies on the island of Phi Phi Leh in the Andaman Sea, and is only accessible by boats from nearby spots such as the islands of Phuket or Phi Phi, or mainland Krabi. (REUTERS/Jorge Silva)

Authorities shut the whole of Maya Bay to the public in 2018, saying coral reefs and beach areas had been damaged by constant tourist activities. (REUTERS/Jorge Silva)

But since the start of this year some visitors have been allowed to return. (REUTERS/Jorge Silva)

To ensure it remains protected, authorities said only up to 375 visitors will be allowed to visit at one time and swimming will be prohibited for now. (REUTERS/Jorge Silva)

Before the coronavirus pandemic, tourism accounted for about 12 per cent of Thailand’s economy and was a key driver of growth, with the country attracting 40 million visitors in 2019. (REUTERS/Jorge Silva)

Mass tourism has often come at a cost to the environment in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asian, with once-beautiful tropical beaches becoming polluted and strewn with garbage. (REUTERS/Jorge Silva)

“Maya Bay is beautiful, it’s a marvellous place,” said Manuele Panin, a 40-year-old tourist from Italy, who was visiting the beach. (REUTERS/Jorge Silva)

A partially underwater shot shows the waters at the beach of Maya Bay. (REUTERS/Jorge Silva)

A view of Koh Khai Nok island in Phuket province, Thailand. (REUTERS/Jorge Silva)