In the 21st-century world of mass tourism, it would be normal to imagine that money talks over all other voices, but the Thai people living on Koh Kradan island close their paradise four months every year, and only welcome tourists who maintain the highest environmental respect.

At the beginning of April, the tiny island park in Thailand was ranked #1 on World Beach Guide's "Top 100 beaches on Earth 2023". Despite the critical acclaim, residents and resort managers say they will maintain the current schedule of closing all tourism opportunities from June 1 to Sept 30.

The 1 square mile Koh Kradan island (2.5 sq. km.), is part of the Trang Islands chain, ensconced within Hat Chao Mai National Marine Park.

It's everything one could wish for in a tropical island paradise. Pristine white sandy beaches, translucent turquoise water, and colorful coral reefs teeming with life.

One near-perfect beach on one side of the island features the dazzling sunset framed by the sea, while the other side is the place for a contemplative sunset.

"Regardless of the awards given, everyone is doing his best to protect the island. Hat Chao Mai National Park will now focus more on regulations to maintain the beauty of our environment," Hat Chao Mai National Park chief Prit Narasrit told the Straits Times.

Narasit also said his department is planning to invest more in cleaner, less impactful infrastructure to support the tourists that will inevitably be drawn in greater numbers to the island, while each visitor is briefed on how and why it's important to protect the fragile ecosystem that includes a variety of endangered fish species.

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