Thailand's national parks make a fortune from tourism

Revenue of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Thailand in fiscal 2024 reached 2.2 billion baht (US$66 million), up nearly 50% compared to the same period last year.

Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park in Krabi province brings in the most revenue. (Source: Thailand Travel map)

DNP Director General Attapon Charoenchansa said the agency plans to open more tourist attractions to stimulate the economy, including new nature trails, along with the construction of more botanical gardens and wildlife sanctuaries.

According to Mr. Attapong, 133 national parks and nine forest parks have generated a total revenue of 2.2 billion baht in fiscal 2024 (from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2024), up 49.9% from the 1.4 billion baht (US$42 million) recorded in fiscal 2023.

Of these, Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park in Krabi province brought in the largest revenue of 629 million baht (US$18.9 million), while the most popular park was Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

The total number of tourists visiting the parks in fiscal 2024 is expected to reach 18.6 million, including 12.6 million domestic visitors and 5.9 million foreign visitors, up 17.7% from fiscal 2023.

Mr Attapon said the DNP expects revenue to reach 2.4 billion baht in fiscal 2025. To achieve this target, the DNP will allow visitors to book accommodation inside national parks 60 days in advance, instead of the current 30 days, along with upgrading infrastructure and facilities.

In addition, DNP will also deploy online ticketing services for all national parks within the next 2 years. Initially, the e-ticketing system will be used in 6 famous parks including 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.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/cac-cong-vien-quoc-gia-thai-lan-kiem-bon-tu-du-lich-290772.html