Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation has allocated 500 million baht (approximately $14 million) to upgrade the country’s 50 most visited national parks. The program aims to complete all planned work by the end of this year and focuses on improving visitor facilities across key parks such as Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi and Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima province.
The planned improvements include upgraded accommodations, modernized restrooms, enhanced dining facilities and other on-site amenities to elevate the visitor experience. These upgrades are part of a broader five-year strategy to strengthen Thailand’s park system nationwide, with priorities that also include better waste management, renovated lodging, and improved overall guest services.
Thailand’s national parks attract roughly 13 million visitors each year across 127 protected areas, making them essential to the country’s tourism sector. While popular, many parks have faced criticism for aging infrastructure and limited services. The current investment seeks to bring facilities up to international standards, helping the parks compete with world-class attractions and meet rising visitor expectations.
Director-General Thanya Nethithammakul attributes the available funds to increased revenue generated through stricter enforcement of maintenance fee collection and improvements to the entry-fee system. These measures have boosted departmental income, with projected revenue reaching 1.2 billion baht in 2016, up from 880 million baht in 2015. The higher returns are being channeled directly into park upgrades and long-term improvements to park management and visitor services.
The upgrades will be carried out across a range of park facilities to create a safer, cleaner and more comfortable environment for both international tourists and local visitors. Emphasis will be placed on sustainable, practical improvements that reduce environmental impact while enhancing convenience—for example, better waste-handling systems and upgraded sanitation facilities designed to cope with high visitor numbers.
Improved accommodations will include renovated guest buildings and campsites, with attention to durability and visitor comfort. Dining areas and concession spaces are also slated for refurbishment to provide more hygienic, efficient food-service options. Pathways, signage and basic infrastructure within popular park areas will be updated to improve accessibility and visitor flow, helping to distribute foot traffic and protect sensitive habitats.
By focusing on these core upgrades, the Department aims to sustain the long-term viability of Thailand’s protected areas while supporting tourism and local economies that depend on healthy, well-managed parks. The initiative underscores a commitment to balancing conservation goals with enhanced visitor experiences, ensuring that Thailand’s natural attractions remain both protected and accessible for future generations.