NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin has visited Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima province to review management operations and promote the government’s “Happy, Safe, and Standard Tourism” policy. He was accompanied by senior officials, including Permanent Secretary Chayanan Pakdeejit and Department of National Parks Director-General Atthapol Charoenchansa.
The inspection covered conservation efforts, visitor facilities, and the park’s Universal Design nature trail, which offers accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The delegation also received updates on border security along the Thai–Cambodian frontier and reviewed the readiness of emergency response systems for tourists.
Suchart outlined nine directives to elevate Thailand’s national parks to world standards, positioning Khao Yai as a model for sustainable tourism. The measures include enhanced surveillance through Smart Patrol technology, promotion of low-carbon tourism, visitor management, upgraded rescue operations, expanded accessibility, and pursuit of global certifications such as ISO 13009 and Green Destination status.
The Deputy Premier also addressed human–wildlife conflict, focusing on incidents involving wild elephants in Nakhon Ratchasima and Nakhon Nayok provinces. Rapid-response units are being established to monitor these zones, while communities are encouraged to engage in conservation and sustainable land use to balance environmental protection with local livelihoods.
Suchart also ordered the upgrading of ranger stations along the Thai–Cambodian border to improve officer safety and welfare. He stated that the Ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of Interior to enhance the prevention of wildfires, haze, and PM 2.5 pollution, ensuring greater safety and sustainability across Thailand’s protected areas. (NNT)
