The Pollution Control Department of Thailand's Ministry of Natural Resources has released its annual ranking of the country's best beaches, but beaches at popular resorts are not included.
The agency annually evaluates the kingdom's beaches based on parameters such as water quality, coastal pollution levels, reef and marine ecosystem health, environmental management, and tourism management, assigning them stars. The highest rating for Thai beaches is five stars.
According to the Association of Tour Operators of Russia, 13 beaches in Thailand were included in this year's list of five-star beaches. Eleven of them are located within national parks, and the other two are in areas under the jurisdiction of the Thai military.
The cleanest beaches in Thailand:
1. Toi Ngam, Sattahip Naval Base Area, Chonburi Province;
2. Laem Sala, Sam Roi Yot National Park, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province;
3. Ao Manao, Royal Thai Air Force Area, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province;
4. Ao Ka, Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, Surat Thani Province;
5. Sam Sao, Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, Surat Thani Province;
6. Tham Rang, Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, Surat Thani Province;
7. Thai Mueang, Khao Lampi National Park - Hat Thai Mueang, Phang Nga Province;
8. Ao Kuk, Mu Ko Similan National Park, Phang Nga Province;
9. Mai Ngam, Mo Ko Surin National Park, Phang Nga Province;
10. Laem Tanot, Mu Ko Lanta National Park, Krabi Province;
11. Ko Rock, Mu Ko Lanta National Park, Krabi Province;
12. Bileh, Than Bok Khorani National Park, Krabi Province;
13. Li Di, Mu Ko Phetra National Park, Satun Province.
Not a single popular resort, such as Phuket or Koh Samui, made the ranking. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Bileh Beach in Than Bok Khorani National Park holds the record for the most mentions in the top rankings.
Source: travel.ru