Thailand has said it will close its popular holiday resort Koh Tachai indefinitely. The island's shoreline, beaches and coral reefs will be off-limits for tourists, starting from October.

Koh Tachai's popularity has put a strain on nature, which resulted in the government closing the island to tourists.

"We have to close it to allow the rehabilitation of the environment, both on the island and in the sea, without being disturbed by tourism activities before the damage is beyond repair," Tunya Netithammakul, director general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation told the Bangkok Post.

Koh Tachai is a part of Similan National Park in Thailand. The island has been popular especially among divers.

Two diving sites in the area still remain open for tourists.

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