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Published on November 17, 2007

The postponement was announced on Wednesday.

According to a forum held by the National Park Office in September, the best way to protect national parks was to limit the number of tourists.

But Chalermsak Wanich-sombat, chief of the department overseeing national parks, said the plan had to be put off till next year so tour operators had time to take required action. Tourists who had already booked tours may be affected by a sudden change and it would lead to the loss of tourist dollars across the country.

Sinsamarn Chaibhurisak, a member of the Khon Ruk Pa (Forest Caretaking) group, said he was disappointed the government was more interested in profits than the state of the national parks, which are currently in a very bad condition.

"If the plan had been launched after it was announced in September, when most travel agencies have fewer bookings, the condition of national parks could have improved," said  Sinsamarn, who attended the forum in September.

Chalermsak said the plan would be announced again early next year. "We have already determined the maximum number of visitors who can be allowed into each national park without harming the environment."

Narin Chiaowongkun, a villager who lives near Doi Suthep, said even though his main source of income was passing tourists, he was unhappy with the increasing numbers.

"Although tourists are good for me, the surroundings are badly affected. At this rate, Doi Suthep will lose its charm very soon."

According to the forum, national parks currently at risk include Khao Yai near Nakhon Ratchasima; Erawan in Kanchanaburi; Doi Suthep-Pui in Chiang Mai; Khao Laemya on Koh Samet in Rayong; and the Surin islands in Phang Nga province.

Jirat Prasertsup

 Citylife

Chiang Mai