Thailand Park Chief Fired Over Tourist Ticket Scandal
The head of Mu Ko Similan National Park, a popular tourist destination in Phang Nga province, Thailand, has been temporarily reassigned following allegations of illegal ticket sales, according to the Bangkok Post. This action follows an inspection by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), which revealed a suspicious discrepancy between e-ticket sales to Thai nationals and expected revenue from foreign visitors.
The NACC investigation focuses on a potential scheme where e-tickets intended for Thai citizens—priced at 100 baht for adults and 50 baht for children—were allegedly resold to foreign tourists at significantly higher prices: 500 and 250 baht, respectively. This price disparity, documented on websites such as Two Price Thailand, created an opportunity for illicit profit, depriving the park of substantial revenue.
Key aspects of the investigation include:
- Alleged resale of e-tickets intended for Thai nationals to foreign tourists at inflated prices.
- A substantial price difference between Thai and foreign tickets (400 baht for adults, 200 baht for children).
- Potential significant revenue loss for the park.
- An ongoing full NACC investigation.
“Mr. Ritthikorn would be able to return to his post if the investigation clears him of wrongdoing,” stated Athapol Charoenshunsa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
Ritthikorn Noonloy, the park’s chief, has been transferred to the Forest Conservation Office 5 in Nakhon Si Thammarat. This reassignment, pending the investigation’s outcome, leaves Warawut Saengthong, a forestry specialist and assistant chief at Mu Ko Similan, serving as acting chief until September 30th. Mr. Charoenshunsa explained that this action aligns with the department’s policy of regular rotations for park chiefs to prevent undue influence and mitigate corruption risks.
This incident highlights a broader issue in tourism management. Similar cases of price gouging and ticket manipulation have been reported globally, emphasizing the ongoing challenge of balancing revenue generation with ethical practices and fair access. Thailand, like many tourism-dependent nations, has historically grappled with corruption within the sector. This case underscores the need for increased vigilance and stricter enforcement of regulations.
The investigation’s potential consequences include stricter ticketing procedures, enhanced oversight within the national park system, and a possible reevaluation of the dual pricing structure for Thai and foreign visitors. Furthermore, the outcome will likely influence public trust in the management of Thailand’s natural resources and impact the country’s tourism reputation.
In summary, the reassignment of Mu Ko Similan National Park’s chief represents a significant step in addressing suspected corruption within the Thai national park system. The investigation’s results will have far-reaching implications for park management practices and the future of tourism in the region. This could lead to changes in ticket sales at Thai national parks, potentially including increased security measures, digital tracking, and greater transparency to prevent future exploitation. Should Mr. Noonloy be cleared of wrongdoing, Mr. Charoenshunsa confirmed he will resume his post as chief of Mu Ko Similan National Park.
