The announcement said the science showed the chemicals "deteriorate coral reefs, destroy coral larvae, obstruct their reproductive system and cause coral reef bleaching".

Thailand follows the Pacific island of Palau and the US state of Hawaii which have already imposed similar bans.

Violators face a fine of up to 100,000 Thai baht ($3,000) though officials have not said how they plan to enforce the ban.

Thailand's key tourism sector has been devastated by the pandemic as the government imposed tough entry restrictions as part of efforts to curb the virus.

Those violating the ban can be fined up to 100,000 baht ($3,000), though officials have not said how they plan to enforce the new rule.

Similar bans have been introduced by the Pacific island of Palau and the US state of Hawaii and other territories dependent on marine tourism are expected to follow suit in future.


Reference: https://phys.org/news/2021-08-thailand-coral-damaging-sunscreens.html More about Reef-safe Sunscreen!