The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has announced that the entrance cost at many popular national parks in Thailand will increase because of rising management costs.
The new rates will be imposed at 29 “Grade A” national parks and will be effective from 1 October 2012. Eight parks in the North; four in the Northeast; three in the East; four in the West; and 10 in the South will be affected by the new fee.
Among the affected national parks are Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai (image); Khao Yai (Nakhon Ratchasima); Sai Yok (Kanchanaburi); Kaeng Krachan (Phetchaburi); Koh Chang (Trat); Phu Kradueng (Loei); and Similan (Phangnga).
The admission fees at the remaining 116 parks will stay the same. A National Park official said insufficient budgets for park management, forest protection, and maintenance of tourism facilities had forced the admission fees rise.
The increases of the National Park entrance fees cannot be absorbed by Destination Asia and will be included into the prices of tours and packages. Where ever possible, Destination Asia Thailand will try to keep the increases to a bare minimum. The Bangkok office is the sole point of contact for our partners to get more information about this issue.
Source: destination-asia.com
