Similan National Park Chief Under Investigation Over Past Guest Stay

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has initiated a formal investigation into the chief of Similan National Park. According to Khaosod Online, the probe follows comments made on August 5, 2026, by Weera Theerapatranon, a member of the extraordinary committee for the 2030 fiscal budget bill. During a parliamentary discussion, Weera recounted a personal experience from approximately four years ago, when he and his group stayed at the park despite it being under an eight-year closure order.

Weera criticized the quality of the park's facilities and services at the time, describing them as poor. He cited specific issues including strict power cut-offs at 8:00 PM, the condition of bedding, limited water supply, and poor internet connectivity. He further suggested that the government consider Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to improve park management.

In response to these remarks, DNP Director-General Athapol Charoenshunsa ordered a committee to determine whether the park chief at the time had violated departmental regulations by permitting the stay. For travelers and residents, this investigation highlights ongoing scrutiny regarding the management of Thailand’s protected areas and the standards of state-run tourist facilities. It remains to be confirmed whether the stay was indeed unauthorized and what specific disciplinary actions, if any, will be taken against the park officials involved.