NACC Conducts Second Random Inspection of Similan Islands, Discovers New Tour Company Tactics of Exceeding Tourist Quotas

The NACC Andaman Special Task Force conducted a second surprise inspection of the Similan Islands National Park in Phang Nga province. A team of over 30 officials split into two groups at 'Island Four' and 'Island Eight' to observe and investigate park fee collection practices. In the previous year's inspection, they discovered tour companies purchasing tickets inappropriately - buying Thai resident tickets for foreign tourists and exceeding visitor quotas. Some tour companies intentionally transport more tourists than permitted, paying minimal fines that are significantly lower than their potential earnings. For example, one tour company brought 68 foreign tourists on a single boat, paying only 500 baht per person and a 5,000 baht initial fine, totaling around 39,000 baht - while potentially earning nearly 100,000 baht from ticket sales. The NACC recommends strict measures, including potential license revocation for companies deliberately violating park regulations.