Thailand may close national parks for two months a year

Posted on 1 June 2020

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) in Thailand is considering closing its national parks to visitors for two months a year, in the interest of their wildlife and ecosystems.

Thailand has 133 National Parks, according to TAT News. The first protected area was founded in 1962 and is Khao Yai National Park. The latest national park to be established is Doi Chong National Park.

The parks have been temporarily closed to visitors since 25 March, in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to Matador Network.

With a decrease in human activity, animals such as bottlenose dolphins, serows and sun bears have been sighted, according to Bangkok Post.

‘Now, we are focusing on sustainable tourism so that our natural resources will remain abundant over the next 10 years. Based on carrying capacity in each area, the national parks won’t be crowded with the big waves of visitors during the holiday season anymore,’ said Dumrus Phoprasit, director of the National Park Office to Bangkok Post.

 

A starry puffer was spotted for the first time in 13 years in Mu Koh Chang National Park in Trat. The fish measures one metre long.

The Minister of National Resources and Environment Varawut Silpa-archa first proposed the idea of closing the parks. The parks will have to submit closure plans and dates to DNP.

Marine national parks, which close during monsoon season, are also included in this proposal.

DNP director-general, Thanya Netithammakun, spoke to Bangkok Post and said: ‘The absence of tourists leads to wildlife recovery.’

The ecosystems have been given the chance to recover as a result of COVID-19. Thailand hopes to continue supporting the natural world by implementing social distancing rules and limiting the number of people allowed in these areas.

Image credit: Unsplash






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