• This photo taken on December 22, 2022 shows an outbreak of yellow-band disease on a coral formation off the coast of Samae San island in Sattahip district in the coastal Thai province of Chonburi. - Underneath Thailand's calm turquoise seas, Thai scientists are frantically studying a highly infectious disease that is killing the kingdom's vital corals -- and threatening the local tourist economy. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) / To go with 'THAILAND-ENVIRONMENT-CORALS-DISEASE,FOCUS' by Montira RUNGJIRAJITTRANON
    This photo taken on December 22, 2022 shows an outbreak of yellow-band disease on a coral formation off the coast of Samae San island in Sattahip district in the coastal Thai province of Chonburi. - Underneath Thailand's calm turquoise seas, Thai scientists are frantically studying a highly infectious disease that is killing the kingdom's vital corals -- and threatening the local tourist economy. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) / To go with 'THAILAND-ENVIRONMENT-CORALS-DISEASE,FOCUS' by Montira RUNGJIRAJITTRANON
  • A marine biologist from Thailand's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources surveying an outbreak of yellow-band disease
    A marine biologist from Thailand's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources surveying an outbreak of yellow-band disease
  • The disease was spotted for the first time off Thailand's east coast last year and has spread over almost 240 hectares
    The disease was spotted for the first time off Thailand's east coast last year and has spread over almost 240 hectares
  • Lalita Putchim, a specialist in coral biology, says she has 'not seen anything like this before'
    Lalita Putchim, a specialist in coral biology, says she has 'not seen anything like this before'
  • Marine biologists and volunteers from Thailand's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources survey an outbreak of yellow-band disease
    Marine biologists and volunteers from Thailand's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources survey an outbreak of yellow-band disease
  • A pufferfish off the coast of Samae San island in Sattahip district in the coastal Thai province of Chonburi
    A pufferfish off the coast of Samae San island in Sattahip district in the coastal Thai province of Chonburi
  • The highly infectious disease is killing the Thailand's corals and threatening the local tourist economy
    The highly infectious disease is killing the Thailand's corals and threatening the local tourist economy
  • Thai scientists hope their investigation into this outbreak will help find a way to stop or cure yellow-band disease
    Thai scientists hope their investigation into this outbreak will help find a way to stop or cure yellow-band disease
  • Thai marine researchers prepare a dive to inspect corals in Chonburi district
    Thai marine researchers prepare a dive to inspect corals in Chonburi district
  • Local boat owners rely on income from tourists who come to see the area's natural beauty – especially the coral reefs
    Local boat owners rely on income from tourists who come to see the area's natural beauty – especially the coral reefs

World

Yellow-band disease ravages Thailand's coral reefs — in pictures

Scientists fear the outbreak is getting worse because of climate change

The National

December 29, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic
Updated: December 29, 2022, 11:47 AM
Thailand

Most popular today

1

Moneyball tactics in the frame as bin Jamil moves towards Sheffield Wednesday takeover

2

My Dubai Salary: ‘From earning Dh3,000 in Dubai Duty Free, I now draw Dh200,000 a month in real estate’

3

Cartoon for January 15, 2026

4

World must brace for turbulent two years, Davos report warns

5

Hospitals in the UAE hit peak flu season as doctors say virus is worst in decade

6

Abu Dhabi appoints Sheikh Khaled as chairman of new sovereign wealth fund L'imad

7

L’imad Holding: Abu Dhabi's fourth investment pillar will be economic diversifier, analysts say

8

Iran regime cleanses streets of crackdown's scars with banners and billboards declaring 'victory'

9

Etihad Airways named world’s safest airline thanks to turbulence management and crash-free history

10

Iran dials up war rhetoric as some US staff leave ⁠base in Qatar