Four of Thailand’s popular national parks have been closed to all outsiders, possibly with more to follow, due to growing concern by park officials over visitors spreading COVID-19.
Mr. Sompote Maneerat, spokesman for the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation, said today that Tap Lan National Park, which straddles Prachin Buri and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces, Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai, Pang Sida National Park in Sa Kaew province and Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province have been closed until January 18th due to the number of tourists visiting the parks from Red Zone provinces.
For the remaining 140 national parks across the country, he said that the Ministry of National Resources and Environment does not currently plan to close them and they are still open, but visitors must book in advance, to limit the numbers, and strictly follow the safety measures.
He asked potential visitors, however, to delay their plans for safety’s sake if they come from Red Zone provinces.
Khao Yai topped the ten most visited national parks between December 30th and January 4th, with 75,950 visitors, followed by Doi Inthanon, Phu Hin Rong Khla, Jae Sorn, Khao Phra Viharn, Phu Rua, Sri Nan, Phu Chifah, Khlong Lan and Tham Luang Khun Nam Nang Non.
