"They deteriorate coral reefs, destroy coral larvae, hamper their reproductive system and cause coral bleaching."
Based on scientific studies, Thailand brought into force, on Wednesday, a decree banning the use in its marine national parks of sunscreens containing chemical compounds such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, on 4 -methylbenzylidene camphor or butylparaben.
$ 3,000 fine for offenders
These products are used as filters to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays or, like parabens, as preservatives to fight against germs.
According to the text, scientific studies have shown that these chemicals "deteriorate coral reefs, destroy coral larvae, hamper their reproductive system and cause coral bleaching."
Violators face a fine of 100,000 Thai baht ($ 3,000), but authorities have not specified how they intend to enforce the ban.
Thai beaches are a popular destination usually attracting millions of tourists, but the sunscreens they use have become a source of concern for the survival of the fragile, very slow growing corals.
The crucial tourism sector has been devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic, as the government has imposed very strict restrictions on entry into Thai territory.
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