BANGKOK – The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) saw a significant boost in revenue for the fiscal year 2024, with earnings rising nearly 50% to 2.2 billion baht, largely driven by popular tourist destinations like Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi and Khao Yai National Park.
DNP Director-General Attapon Charoenchansa announced that from October 2023 to September 2024, Thailand’s 133 national parks and nine forest parks attracted 18.6 million visitors, including 5.9 million international tourists. The revenue increase, up from 1.4 billion baht the previous year, was fueled by the surge in domestic and international tourism, marking a 49.9% year-on-year rise.
The top-grossing park was Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi in Krabi, generating 629 million baht. Other major contributors were Mu Koh Similan National Park in Phangnga (243 million baht), Khao Laem Ya-Mu Koh Samet National Park in Rayong (164 million baht), Ao Phangnga National Park (149 million baht), and Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima (129 million baht).
Khao Yai National Park, the country’s most visited park, was followed closely by Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi, Khao Laem Ya-Mu Koh Samet, Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai, and Khao Khitchakut National Park in Chanthaburi.
Looking ahead, the DNP plans to expand tourist attractions, including new nature trails and wildlife sanctuaries, and improve facilities. Additionally, the department aims to reach 2.4 billion baht in revenue by fiscal year 2025 and will roll out an advanced e-ticketing system across all parks within two years.
Tourists will soon be able to book accommodations in national parks up to 60 days in advance, and online tickets will be available for six of the most popular parks, including Khao Yai, Inthanon, and Mu Koh Similan.
