KANCHANABURI: The popular Erawan waterfall in Si Sawat district was on Friday reopened for swimming after a four-day ban due to heavy rain and runoff.
Visitors again have access to all levels of the seven-tiered waterfall. Access was earlier limited to only five levels due to safety concerns after days of heavy downpours.
Erawan National Park chief Porayut Waiwong on Friday ordered national park officials to inspect the waterfall, clear obstacles and closely monitor the water level after rained stopped on Thursday. The water situation returned to normal and the waterfall was reopened today for swimming.
National park authorities prohibited swimming at the waterfall over the last four days due to days of heavy rain and runoff. Visitors were earlier allowed to enter the waterfall, but their access was limited to only the first five tiers.
Yutthapong Damsrisuk, assistant to the national park chief, said many Thai and foreign visitors would visit the waterfall to appreciate its natural beauty due to the long holiday.
Swimming was again allowed, he said, but only in designated areas. He added that the water was currently not suitable for swimming as the water was not yet clear.
National park officials were sent to patrol the area to ensure the safety of visitors.
The seven-tiered waterfall in Kanchanaburi is popular among Thai and foreign visitors. (Photo by Piyarach Chongcharoen)
(Photo by Piyarach Chongcharoen)
A signpost, erected on the third tier of the waterfall, gives safety information. (Photo by Piyarach Chongcharoen)