Songkhla shuts islands after discovery of pink cave sparks tourism frenzy
Songkhla health officials have closed Koh Noo and Koh Maew (Cat and Rat islands) from June 15 to 28 amid fears that a pending invasion of tourists could spread Covid-19.
Interest in the islands spiked recently after the discovery of a new natural attraction – a pink-coloured cave – on Koh Noo.
Visitors flocked to the islands to view the geological marvel last weekend after its discovery was revealed by Suebsakul Srisuk, secretary of the Songkhla Foundation for World Heritage.
The surge in arrivals sparked concern that Covid-19 could spread from mainland Songkhla, which is already suffering outbreaks in several areas.
A new cluster of infections was recently discovered in Muang district, close to some of the southern province’s main tourist attractions.
