Experts explore ways to protect Thailand’s ‘James Bond islet’ from erosion

Photo: Facebook @prhotnews02 via The Nation/Asia News Network

BANGKOK — Officials are surveying the risk of collapse of Khao Ta Pu, a natural marine landmark in Phang Nga province, due to corrosion by seawater.

Khao Ta Pu, or Ko Ta Pu (nail island), is a 20-meter tall limestone islet and is a part of Ao Phang Nga National Park. Since 1974, when it was featured in the James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun”, Ko Ta Pu has been popularly called “James Bond islet”.

“The ministry is working with the Department of Mineral Resources and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to survey the islet and surrounding areas to find ways to prevent erosion that might cause it to collapse,” Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Varawut Silpa-archa said on Friday, during his visit to Phang Nga.

“We are adapting the techniques used in surveying damage of limestone at Mu Koh Angthong National Marine Park in Surat Thani province and at the Pun Yod Rock Castle in Satun province,” he added.

“A 3D scanner, marine seismic scanner and echo sounder have been deployed to gather necessary information.

“Preliminary estimation suggests that we can reinforce the islet’s foundation without jeopardizing the scenery,” said Varawut. “Furthermore, we are establishing a monitoring program with cooperation from local communities to track change of weather and marine conditions in the area that might affect the landmark.”