CBS Survivor Thailand Eco-Damage Report

Survivor Thailand Violates Posted Signs of Koh Tarutao Park Rangers

~ HOBO REPORT OF ECO-TOURISM DAMAGE

I Andy of HoboTraveler.com presently located in
Pak Bara, Thailand and making trips to the Island of
Koh Tarutao where they filmed the television show
CBS SURVIVOR THAILAND 2002.

I am angry that citizens of MY country
the United States of America would enter another
country and blatantly and outrageously disrespect and
disregard posted signs of simple ecology
or Eco-tourism principles. This may lead to the future
demise of this island paradise.

ECO-TOURISM PHRASES
Do not leave anything here except your footprints."
------ Signs at 2 entrances to park of Koh Tarutao

Do not destroy what you came to enjoy."
------- Unknown Source

I am presently drafting a letter to the
Thailand Parks Department officials
to request permission to remove the
2 known latrine bases left by the CBS Production Crew.

In 5 years of travel I have been an eye witness or discovered
many instances of obvious disregard for Eco-system.

1. I saw and photographed at the bottom of Machu Picchu
the location where the village of Aguas Calientes dumps
their trash into the river.
PHOTOS - I did not label or focus on the photos. This is normal
in most countries. The propound to be eco-conscious than do the
opposite.
http://andylgraham.virtualave.net/machuwalkup.shtml
As referenced in Newsletter 20 November 7, 2000

2. I saw and photographed where the Riverboat Captains
and crew dumped all the trash into the Amazon River.

There are many other examples. They are normally situations
whereby the offenders are naive of ecological
impact and the culture and customs need to change.
CBS is not naive or lacking in financial resource.

WHY THIS IS BLATANT DISRESPECT?
There are 2 main entrance points to the park
of Koh Tarutao.

TWO SIGNS:
1. The main Parks Rangers office located
at the large boat docks area of Pak Bara,

2. The main entrance to the park at Phante
Bay.

BOTH LOCATIONS HAVE LARGE SIGNS IN ENGLISH
See above.

The normal way to enter Koh Tarutao Park
is to pass by both of these signs. This production
was in the works for months, and maybe years
and it would be impossible for persons of management
to not read and notice the signs.

A sign here in Thailand written in English is like a lighthouse
in the middle of the dark. They are obvious when others
are in the Thai language.

This was the first thing I notice upon walking into the
Ranger Visitor center a few weeks ago because it was
simple and clear. It is difficult to other tourist how
we can save these unspoiled areas of the planet for the
future. Therefore the simplicity was profound.

PLUS: I loved the musical nature of the phrase.

Do not leave anything here except your footprints"

As a world traveler I have learned painfully how paradise
is destroyed. One small exception to the rules at a time.
On exception turns into 2, than 3, than 4 and the next
think you know they build a high-rise hotel.

To obey posted signs and respect for the rules
and laws of countries is needed. We are visitors in
their country and do not live here. To do opposite of these
posted signs is blatant disrespect.

CBS should be ashamed.
I am feel personally responsible when a citizen of
the United States of America misbehaves. I will help
to apologize for their actions by removing these
2 and maybe 3 latrine bases and dispose of properly
with the meager budget of Andy the HoboTraveler.com

I am amazed by the brilliance of the government of Thailand
and how they manage the parks and tourist industry.
I wish to thank them for this insightful and simple way
to remember how to be a good Eco-tourist.

Do not leave anything here except your footprints"
The left their....

MORE CORROBORATION OR OTHER LATRINES:

John Grays Quote:

Gray paddled halfway around Koh Tarutao, mimicking Survivor:
Thailand's first contestant challenge.
...
The tribal camps at Ao Rusi and Ao Jak were already torn
down when we got there. Ao Jak only had postholes and a
latrine pit left."

http://www.survivorfever.net/john_gray.html
http://www.johngray-seacanoe.com

Please forward to your friends

ADDRESS OR URL OF THIS PAGE IS:
http://www.hobotraveler.com/092cbsreport.php