Thailand’s forest dept doubles its take from visits

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In: South-East Asia

Discussed: 20 Oct 2024 at 06: 47

Tourists visit Koh Khai in Tarutao National Park in Satun in February. (Photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya)
In February, travellers visit Koh Khai in Satun’s Tarutao National Park. ( Photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya )

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation ( DNP )’s income has increased by almost 50 % to 2.2 billion baht in the fiscal year 2024.

The most well-known area in Nakhon Ratchasima is Khao Yai, while Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi in Krabi generated the most profit with 629 million ringgit.

Attapon Charoenchansa, DNP director-general, said the DNP plans to open more holiday destinations to stimulate the economy, including fresh nature research paths, more botanical landscapes and some animals sanctuaries.

He said the 133 national parks and nine jungle gardens generated a total profit of 2.2 billion ringgit from Oct 1 last year to Sept 30 this season, up from 1.4 billion baht the past year, or a 49.9 % increase.

Mu Koh Similan National Park in Phangnga ( 243 million baht ), Khao Laem Ya-Mu Koh Samet National Park in Rayong ( 164 million baht ), Ao Phangnga National Park in Phangnga ( 149 million baht ), and Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima ( 129 million baht ) followed Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park ( 129 million baht

The total number of tourists to the parks was 18.6 million ( 12.6 million Thai and 5.9 million foreign tourists ), a 17.7 % increase from fiscal year 2023’s 15.8 million tourists, he said.

Khao Yai National Park is followed by Helmet Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park, Khao Laem Ya-Mu Koh Samet National Park, Chiang Mai’s Inthanon National Park, and Khao Khitchakut National Park in Chanthaburi.

According to Mr. Attapon, DNP expects its profits to achieve 2.4 billion baht in the fiscal year 2025 and did upgrade its infrastructure and facilities to accommodate more tourists.

Instead of the latest 30 days, the DNP will also permit travelers to book lodging in national gardens 60 days in advance.

It will provide online cards to six common gardens: Khao Yai National Park, Inthanon National Park, Ao Phangnga National Park, Mu Koh Similan National Park, Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park, and Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi.

Within the next two decades, he added, all national parks ‘ electronic ticket revenue systems may be operational.