Thailand to ban ‘reef toxic’ sunscreen agents

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand bans sunscreen agents which is harmful to coral reef. The Notification of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation regarding Ban on Sunscreens Containing Chemicals Harmful to Coral at All Marine National Parks was published in the Royal Gazette on 3 August 2021 by virtue of the National Park Act, B.E. 2562 (2019).

The notification prohibits to bring and use sunscreen agents which contain the following ingredients in the National Marine Parks:

• Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3, BP-3)
• Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate)
• 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4MBC)
• Butylparaben

The four ingredients, that obstruct reproduction of corals and leading to bleaching, are commonly found in sun creams. To protect marine ecosystems, the Pacific island of Palau and the US state of Hawaii has already implemented similar bans. The ban in Thailand has been effective since 4 August 2021 and a fine of up to 100,000 baht would be applied for violation.

Download the original text of the Notification at

http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2564/E/175/T_0001.PDF