National —
On October 19th, 2024, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation released financial data for Thailand’s 133 national parks and 9 forest parks during the 2024 fiscal year (October 2023 to September 2024).
Total income from entrance fees reached 2.2 billion baht, a sharp rise from 1.46 billion baht in the previous year, marking an increase of 732 million baht.
The top 10 parks that contributed the most revenue were:
- Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, Krabi – 629.8 million baht
- Mu Ko Similan National Park, Phang Nga – 243.6 million baht
- Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park, Rayong – 164.8 million baht
- Ao Phang Nga National Park – 149.2 million baht
- Khao Yai National Park – 129.5 million baht
- Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai – 125.3 million baht
- Khao Sok National Park, Surat Thani – 83.6 million baht
- Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi – 81.4 million baht
- Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, Surat Thani – 53.6 million baht
- Tarutao National Park, Satun – 37.3 million baht
A total of 18.6 million visitors were recorded in the 2024 fiscal year, an increase from the 2.8 million visitors the previous year. Of these, 12.6 million were Thai nationals, and 5.9 million were foreign tourists.
The parks with the highest number of visitors were:
- Khao Yai National Park – 1.48 million visitors
- Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park – 1.15 million visitors
- Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park – 991,102 visitors
- Doi Inthanon National Park – 758,131 visitors
- Khao Khitchakut National Park – 734,776 visitors
- Mu Ko Similan National Park – 578,535 visitors
- Ao Phang Nga National Park – 530,204 visitors
- Erawan National Park – 519,235 visitors
- Namtok Phlio National Park – 434,110 visitors
- Khao Sok National Park – 424,376 visitors
Mr. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, the Director-General of the Department of National Parks, said that while the tourism season has begun, some marine parks still see fewer tourists due to the rainy season.
However, visitor numbers are up compared to the same period last year. He also confirmed the department’s plan to reopen Ko Tachai at Mu Ko Similan National Park in November 2025, with a focus on limiting tourist numbers and preserving the island’s natural beauty. Planned improvements include a floating pier and sustainable tourism infrastructure.
The department also expects to generate 2.4 billion baht in revenue for the 2025 fiscal year. To support this, they are enhancing infrastructure and safety measures, while expanding online booking services for park entry and accommodations.
Six parks currently offer e-ticketing including Khao Yai, Erawan, Doi Inthanon, Hat Noppharat Thara, Mu Ko Similan, and Ao Phang Nga, with plans to expand this system to 80 parks by 2025 and all parks by 2026.
