National Parks Chief Orders Probe Into Similan Accommodation Approval
Thailand's national parks chief has ordered an investigation into whether the Similan Islands National Park director improperly allowed an MP to stay overnight at the park four years ago, violating a closure order in place since 2018.
The director of Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has ordered an investigation into whether the head of Similan Islands National Park violated departmental regulations by allowing MP Veerachai Theeraphatthanon and his group to stay overnight at the park approximately four years ago.
On August 5, Veerachai, serving as a special committee member reviewing the 2570 fiscal budget bill, had spoken in parliament reflecting his personal views and experience from a trip to Similan Islands National Park about four years prior. He described the accommodation and service quality as "very poor" and cited specific limitations such as lights being turned off at 8 p.m., poor bedding conditions, limited water supply, weak internet signals, and recommended considering private-public partnership management models.
Artchpol Jarunchansea, director of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, stated that while the department appreciates the constructive suggestions from the committee member, it must thoroughly verify the facts. He ordered the establishment of a fact-finding committee to investigate whether the Similan Islands National Park director's authorization of the overnight stay violated the departmental announcement of October 4, 2561 (published in the Royal Gazette on October 8, 2561) that closed overnight accommodation at Similan Islands. This closure announcement has been in effect for eight years.
The overnight closure was enacted to address garbage and wastewater problems affecting the environment and to focus on natural resource restoration and sustainable reduction of marine ecosystem impacts. The area was designated for day-trip visits only. The director emphasized that while the department welcomes beneficial suggestions for public interest and is ready to consider them for improving operations and service efficiency, all procedures and conditions must comply with government regulations and relevant legal frameworks properly and carefully.
