National Park Charges 10 Tourists for Trampling Rare Alpine Plants
Doi Inthanon National Park filed charges against 10 tourists who trampled rare alpine plants while leaving marked trails for photographs on September 13. The fragile species, found only above 2,000 meters, may take years to recover from the
Doi Inthanon National Park has taken legal action against 10 tourists who left marked trails to photograph a rare alpine plant called Oryza sativa ssp. spontanea in the park's meadow area. Park director Jiranit Cheng Saad announced the enforcement action on September 17, stating that the tourists ignored warning signs and barriers to access the fragile plant on September 13 at around 1 p.m.
Officers discovered multiple trampled areas in the meadow where the plant grows. The species is extremely fragile with slow growth rates, and damage from foot traffic could take years to recover from or may be irreversible. The plant is rare and found only in pristine natural zones above 2,000 meters elevation, making it a critical natural resource requiring strict protection.
The park immediately investigated the incident by reviewing photographs provided by witnesses and closed-circuit camera footage to gather evidence. The tourists' actions violate the National Parks Act of 2019 and related regulations, specifically for disobeying official instructions and conducting recreation outside designated areas. Park officials filed a complaint with Chom Thong District Police for further legal proceedings.
Doi Inthanon National Park urges all visitors to strictly follow park rules and staff guidance, remain on marked nature study trails, avoid trampling vegetation and natural areas, and do not enter zones marked with warning signs or barriers.
