National parks face influx

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has held talks with business operators to find ways to deal with overcrowding at tourist attractions as the high season approaches.

Director-general Thanya Netithammakun said accommodation at popular national parks has been nearly fully booked during long holidays in December and January.

These sites include Similan and Surin national parks in Phangnga; Doi Inthanon, Doi Suthep-Pui, Huai Nam Dang and Doi Pha Hom Pok national parks in Chiang Mai; Phu Rua and Phu Kradueng national parks in Loei; Khao Yai national park in Nakhon Ratchasima; Erawan and Khuean Srinagarindra national parks in Kanchanaburi; Phu Hin Rong Kla and Thung Salaeng Luang national parks in Phitsanulok; and Nam Tok Phrew national park in Chanthaburi.

The DNP is collecting data to ascertain the tourist-handling capacity of each national park. All the parks have been ordered to improve the condition of their toilets, he said.

The DNP is developing e-ticket and advance booking systems for park entrances. They are likely to be put in place early next year, he said, adding the development came as various parks were found to have collected more revenue from visitors than in previous years.

He said work is under way to fix its website (nps.dnp.go.th), which is used by the public to book accommodation in national parks. The site has been down due to high traffic volume.

The improvements come after the Meteorological Department forecast the lower Northeast will be colder than in the past two years from November to February.

The DNP will extend the payment period for those who have booked accommodation and have been asked to pay before today. Enquiries should be made by calling 02-579-6666, ext 1743-1744.

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/