The documentary explores the impact of mass tourism in Thailand

Thailand's mass tourism, which saw 36 million visitors in 2018, has both social and ecological consequences. Most popular resorts discharge untreated sewage into the sea, leading to plastic waste and the death of coral reefs along the coast. Fishing boats use giant trawl nets to destroy coral, and 77% of Thailand's coral reefs have been severely damaged. Locals in popular tourist resorts struggle to benefit from the large numbers of holidaymakers, working for the minimum wage and often being pushed out by guest workers from neighboring Myanmar. Small local restaurants also lose out when big tour operators take their guests on all-inclusive excursions. The filmmakers first visited Thailand a few years ago, shooting enchanting footage of the still-intact underwater world. They are now back to Thailand to look at the consequences of unrestricted tourism, both above and below the waterline. DW Documentary offers high-class documentaries from German broadcasters and international production companies, allowing viewers to meet intriguing people, travel to distant lands, and gain a deeper understanding of current affairs and global events.