Digital marine parks introduce electronic ticketing starting October
Finesse your Park Experience: Thailand's National Parks Embrace Digital Switch with E-Tickets
Get ready to breeze through your visit to Thailand's six major marine national parks as they kick off the new tourist season on October 15, complete with an upgraded e-ticket system!
This transformative project, a pioneering effort by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP), seeks to collect a staggering 10% more revenue, andstroke public concerns over corruption in ticket sales by creating a transparent, digital ticket system.
At a recent press conference, DNP Director-General Attapol Charoenchansa emphasized the department's dedication to tackling long-standing public concerns about corruption in ticket sales. While an earlier version of the e-ticket system has been tested at select parks since 2023, it faced several challenges, such as limited functionality in remote areas and a lack of user-friendliness. However, the upgraded e-ticket system, set to be rolled out in October, promises to address these issues. Initially, it will cover six marine parks, with plans to expand the system to the top ten national parks with the highest visitor revenues.
Park entrance fees play a vital role in funding forest protection, conservation, and the promotion of sustainable nature tourism. Under the current revenue allocation model, local administrative organizations receive 5% of entrance fee income, individual park management teams receive 20%, 60% goes towards park conservation activities, 15% is allocated for emergencies, and the remaining funds help support communities living within forest zones.
From October 1, 2022, to April 20, 2023, Thailand's national parks welcomed 11.74 million visitors, marking a 2.36% increase over the same period in the previous year. During this time, revenue reached 1.55 billion baht, up 2.6%. Marine parks accounted for 65.8% of the total entrance fees, with Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi generating the highest revenue at 450 million baht.
"Curbing corruption and ensuring the e-ticket system prevents any loss of revenue is vital," said Mr. Attapol. "The income generated serves the essential purpose of conserving natural resources and promoting sustainable tourism. We will continue our efforts to protect nature, despite any controversies that may arise."
The six marine national parks where the e-ticket system will be fully implemented include Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi (Krabi), Ao Phang Nga (Phangnga), Than Bok Khorani (Krabi), Mu Ko Similan (Phangnga), Mu Ko Surin (Phangnga), and Mu Ko Lanta (Krabi).
This digital upgrade is but one step in modernizing tourism infrastructure and enhancing the conservation efforts in Thailand's beloved national parks. So pack your bags, and get ready to embrace a more seamless and responsible park experience!
- The upgraded e-ticket system, implemented by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP), aims to allocate tickets digitally and sustainably for Thailand's six major marine national parks.
- DNP Director-General Attapol Charoenchansa affirmed that the transparency and efficiency of the new e-ticket system are essential to prevent any DNP revenue loss, which_ supports local communities, park conservation, and sustainable nature tourism.
- With the upgraded e-ticket system promising to overcome challenges like limited functionality in remote areas and a lack of user-friendliness, the entire process is expected to become more seamless and responsible for visitors.
