Thailand taps into tourism potential of national parks

Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP)'s income has increased by almost 50% to 2.2 billion THB (66.36 million USD) in the fiscal year 2024.

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

Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi in Krabi generates highest revenue (Source: Thailand Travel Map)

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

He said the 133 national parks and nine forest parks generated a total revenue of 2.2 billion THB from October 1 last year to September 30 this year, up from 1.4 billion THB the previous year, or a 49.9% increase. 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.

Attapon said DNP 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 travellers 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, the official added./.

World

Japan strengthens commitment to Southeast Asia
World

Japan strengthens commitment to Southeast Asia

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on January 10 met with his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim during his visit to the Southeast Asian country, pledging to enhance cooperation in addressing urgent regional and international challenges, including tensions in the East Sea, the Middle East, and the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.

Thai PM calls for extra efforts to address PM2.5 air pollution
World

Thai PM calls for extra efforts to address PM2.5 air pollution

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has instructed ministries and departments to accelerate efforts to tackle PM2.5 air pollution, particularly through halting the purchase of burnt sugarcane, cracking down on vehicles that emit smoke, and strictly controlling construction sites.

Indonesia confirms cases of HMPV
World

Indonesia confirms cases of HMPV

Indonesian Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin on January 7 confirmed the detection of cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in the country, but assured the public that the disease is not dangerous.

RoK pins high hope on FTA with Philippines
World

RoK pins high hope on FTA with Philippines

The Republic of Korea (RoK)'s Minister of of Trade, Industry and Energy Cheong In-kyo on December 26 said that the RoK-Philippines free trade agreement (FTA), set to take effect next week, will help the country further bolster its trade portfolio and contribute to maintaining a stable supply chain.