Thailand taps into tourism potential of national parks

By VNA October 21, 2024 | 05:11 pm PT

The sun rises over Maya Bay's limestone mountains at the Phi Phi Island National Park, on Phi Phi Leh Island, Krabi province, Thailand, Feb. 27, 2023. Photo by Reuters

133 national parks and nine forest parks in Thailand generated a total revenue of 2.2 billion baht (US$66.36 million) from Oct. 1 last year to Sept. 30 this year, up from 1.4 billion baht the previous year, or a 49.9% increase.

The total number of tourists to the parks was 18.6 million, including 5.9 million foreign tourists, a 17.7% increase from fiscal year 2023's 15.8 million tourists, Attapon Charoenchansa, director-general of Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP), said.

As reported by Bangkok Post, Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi in Krabi brought in the largest revenue of 629 million baht, and the most popular park is Khao Yai in Nakhon Ratchasima.

The department plans to open more tourist attractions to stimulate the economy, including new nature study trails, more botanical gardens and some wildlife sanctuaries, Attapon said.

It expects its revenue to reach 2.4 billion baht in the fiscal year 2025 and will upgrade infrastructure and facilities to take greater tourist numbers.

The DNP will also allow travelers to book accommodation inside national parks 60 days in advance, instead of the current 30 days. It will provide online tickets to six popular parks: 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.

The e-ticket sales system for all national parks would be ready within the next two years, Attapon added.