Thailand's five national parks have announced a new entry fee as a “welcome” to returning foreign tourists – and it will double. At the same time, the payment for Thais remains the same. The official reason for this price gouging is to reduce the anthropogenic burden, but its “national focus” may raise questions from tourists who are hit on the pocket.
Last year, the entrance fee for both Thais and tourists was 200 baht ($5.3 or a little over 330 rubles). But government officials decided that the return of tourists should be celebrated. The decision was posted on the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation's Facebook page — it's basically a two-page document about the new rules and ticket fees. Prices and parks are as follows:
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Khao Yai National Park in the central province of Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachinburi, Saraburi and Nakhon Nayok. Adult ticket will rise in price 400 baht, Children: 200 baht
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Khao Laem Ya – Mu Ko Samet National Park in Eastern Rayong Province (including Ko Talu, Ko Kudi, Ko Kham – Ko Kruai) Adult: THB 300, Child: THB 150
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Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park in the southern province of Surat Thani (including Ko Wua Ta Lab and Ko Mae Ko). Adult: THB 300, Child: THB 150
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Hat Nappharat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park in the southern province of Krabi Mai Phai) Adult: 400 baht, children: 200 baht
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Mu Koh Lanta National Park in the southern province of Krabi (including the islands of Koh Rok, Koh Ngai, Koh Ha and Koh Hin Daeng – Kong Hin Muang) Adult: 400 baht, children: 200 baht
Note that at least the last parks, i.e. The islands were very popular among Russian tourists as well. Whether the need to pay almost 670 rubles at the current exchange rate will stop tourists is a question, but the amount for a family will be clearly considerable.
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