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Chalermsak Wanichsombat, directorgeneral of the department, said he ordered the head of national parks nationwide to monitor weather conditions closely in September.

For the safety of tourists, park authorities are authorised to immediately close any national park considered unsafe, in order to prevent the recurrence of the weekend accident at Kao Sok national park in Surat Thani, where a flash flood swept away tourists and guides in a cave.

Referring to the permanent closure of the national parks in the rainy season, Chalermsak said the issue will be discussed by the authorities concerned as the permanent closure can affect tour operators and tourismrelated businesses.

 Meanwhile, a rescue team leader confirmed the overall death toll of six foreign tourists (including three children) and two local Thai guides who drowned during a cave tour in Surat Thani. A 21 year-old female British tourist survived.