Rainy season closure for 66 national parks in Thailand

The Khao Chang Phueak Long Distance Nature Trail in Thong Pha Phum National Park, Kanchanaburi, is one of the attractions closed

Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has started its annual seasonal closure of 66 out of 147 national parks throughout the country, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced in a press release.

The closure will affect 24 parks in the north, 28 parks in the south, nine parks in the north-east, and five parks in the central, western and eastern regions. A full list of park closures and dates can be viewed here.

The Khao Chang Phueak Long Distance Nature Trail in Thong Pha Phum National Park (pictured), Kanchanaburi, is one of the attractions that have been closed

According to the DNP, it is normal practice to close several attractions every year for a certain period, depending on weather and park conditions. Dates vary, and the closure is often due to unsafe conditions during the rainy months and to allow for some ecological recovery at the parks.

Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT governor, said: “Natural rejuvenation is a key to preserving the biodiversity and pristine quality of Thailand’s amazing nature and natural resources. I believe that closing off several attractions for certain months during the rainy season demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to ensure sustainable environmental management of the country’s valuable nature heritage.”

Thailand currently has a total of 147 national parks, covering an area of 70,038km2 or 13.6 per cent of the land area of the country. There are 59 national parks in the north, 43 in the south, 25 in the north-east, and 20 in the central, western and eastern regions.

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