BANGKOK, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- A popular waterfall in western Thailand on Monday announced a partial closure after several tourists slipped and were injured while walking through muddy paths on Sunday.
Porayut Waiwong, chief of the Erawan National Park, said on Monday that days of heavy rain had pounded the waterfall and damaged the path between tier 6 and tier 7. The steep, rocky path had become muddy and slippery, making it unsafe for visitors.
Porayut said should the rain stops pouring, access to all levels is expected to be restored on Tuesday.
The national park chief said the continuous rain has yet caused the water volume to rise to dangerous levels or caused runoffs.
"Visitors were allowed to enter the waterfall, but their access was temporarily limited to only the first five tiers," said Porayut.
The Erawan National Park said on its Facebook page that visitors will be allowed access to all levels on Tuesday after the damaged path between tier 6 and tier 7 is repaired.
Local media also reported that tour operators have been advised by the police to suspend tourist trips to islands and waterfalls in the province.
The Thai Meteorological Department on Sunday morning warned of heavy rain and strong winds in the southern and eastern provinces of Ranong, Phang-nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Satun, Chanthaburi and Trat Sunday and Monday as a result of the intense monsoon lying across the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
