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Published on December 2, 2007

Since the increasing numbers of visitors each year and their activities in national parks has affected national resources, the department needs to set up measures to manage national resources as well for the security of tourists, Preecha said.

He said tourist activities that threatened national parks included diving and boating near coral reefs.

The department issued an order limiting the number of visitors to national parks on November 20, but it will not take effect until July next year.

The order covers two marine national parks in Phang Nga province, Moo Koh Surin and Moo Koh Similan; Kaeng Krachan National Park in Petchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan; Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi; Khao Yai National Park in Prachinburi, Sara Buri, Nakhon Nayok and Nakhon Ratchasima; Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei; and four national parks in Chiang Mai: Doi Inthanon, Doi Suthep-Pui, Huai Nam Dang and Doi Phahompok (Mae Fang).

Preecha said the department would also ask for cooperation from tour companies to inform guides and tourists about activities in national parks that harmed the environment. The limit on visitors and the assistance of tourism operators in the management of national resources will lead to sustainable tourism, he added.