According to News published at PetaPixel, "Thailand has introduced strict new regulations targeting underwater photography". On "... a ministerial order published in the Royal Gazette, divers must now hold an Advanced Open Water certification or prove a minimum of 40 logged deep dives to carry cameras underwater. These documents must be presented upon request by authorities. The rules apply to all recreational dives, including training and examination dives."
To be honest, I really do not think that there is in any country around a world enough underwater photographers capable of causing any damage to the fragile coral reef ecosystems. This is one of those cases of unfounded extremism.
Coral reefs are being damaged by a combination of natural and human-driven factors. The main causes include:
- Climate change – Rising ocean temperatures cause coral bleaching, where corals expel the algae they rely on, leading to their death.
- Ocean acidification – CO₂ absorption lowers ocean pH, weakening coral skeletons and slowing growth.
- Pollution – Runoff from agriculture, sewage, and plastic waste introduces toxins and excess nutrients that harm coral ecosystems.
- Overfishing – Disrupts the balance of reef ecosystems and removes key species that help maintain coral health.
- Coastal development – Dredging, construction, and land clearing increase sedimentation, which smothers corals.
- Destructive fishing practices – Methods like blast fishing and cyanide fishing physically destroy reefs.
- Unsustainable tourism – Anchoring on reefs, touching corals, or careless diving/snorkeling can damage fragile structures.
- Invasive species – Predators like the crown-of-thorns starfish can devastate large areas of reef if not controlled.
I doubt that prohibiting photography will do much to control careless diving or snorkeling. Usually, those who seek out photos are very mindful of leaving nature just as they found it.
