Tourists told not to leave markings in Phang-nga caves

The governor of Phang-nga province has asked for cooperation from tourists not to leave any markings on rocks in the caves especially where ancient cave paintings could still be visible.

Governor Sittichai Sakda led a group of students and local authorities to clean up marks and writings on rocks at Tham Nak cave in Ao Phang-nga marine national park on Friday (April 5).

Tham Nak cave is well-known for its ancient cave paintings and ancient burial aged 3,000,-5,000 years.

Mr Sittichai said tourists should not leave any markings on the cave as this would severely damage the natural beauty of the cave and the ancient paintings.

The old paintings should be left protected and conserved for next generations to view and study, he said.

According to Sarayut Tanthien, chief of the Ao Phang-nga national park, some ancient cave paintings were damaged by natural causes and by human activities, including tourists’ writing on the cave walls.