THAILAND is to limit development amid fears it could damage the environment if growth continues unhindered.
Thailand Tourism Society chairman Wichit Na-Ranong said the society was aware of the danger of overdevelopment. “We are discussing limiting development, particularly in resorts,” he said.
Na-Ranong refuted claims that the filming of The Beach on Phi Phi Island had ruined the location. “People have been too sensitive. The island has not been damaged,” he said.
He said tourism will remain flat in 1999 after growth of 34% in 1998. He said: “We benefited from unstable political climates in neighbouring countries but now things have calmed down and we don’t expect a similar increase.”