Curbs on visitors to parks fail to work
APINYA WIPATAYOTIN
The National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department's efforts to control the number of visitors to popular national parks has failed to prevent tourists entering many well-known attractions during long weekends.
The project to limit visitor numbers was introduced to five national parks in 2004 _ Mu Koh Surin in Phangnga province, Khao Laem Ya-Mu Koh Samet (Rayong), Suthep-Pui (Chiang Mai), Khao Yai (Nakhon Ratchasima) and Erawan (Kanchanaburi).
However, a recent survey by the department found that all had too many visitors, especially during long weekends.
Staff say that when the number of visitors exceeds a park's optimum capacity, the ecology comes under threat.
More than 60% of plant species found at Ko Kaew waterfall at Khao Yai national park have been damaged by tourists.
Narong Mahannop, chief of Khao Yai national park, said that during the previous New Year's holidays more than 9,000 visitors camped at the park, which is intended to accommodate a maximum 4,000 at a time.
Overcrowding in the park had led to disputes over camping grounds and toilets. There was even a traffic jam in the forest and a huge amount of garbage was left behind.
''The situation is expected to be the same this New Year.
''All of the park's lodgings have been booked for the year-end holidays,'' said Mr Narong.
He urged visitors to book beforehand or camp at private resorts near the park.
Increasing entrance fees and rates for lodging was an effective way of limiting visitor numbers, he said. They should be doubled during long weekends in the high season.
A study had revealed each visitor to a national park leaves behind almost half a kilogramme of garbage.
The study also found he number of one-day visitors to Khao Yai national park is falling and those staying overnight has increased.
Khao Laem Ya-Mu Koh Samet national park in Rayong province is also suffering from high visitor numbers. In an effort to control the numbers, the department proposed closing the national marine park for three months during the monsoon season. The plan was put off after protests by tourism operators.
Park chief Sitthichai Seerisansong said controlling the number of visitors entering the park would have a negative effect on private tourism operators.
''Strong opposition from business operators has disrupted our efforts to control tourist numbers,'' he said.
The national marine park can accommodate only 6,800 people a day, but more than 10,000 visitors arrive each day during the high season.
Bangkok Post Aug. 18, 2008