KRABI, Thailand — Park officials in Krabi have defended their revenue collection system after an anti-corruption task force carried out an unannounced inspection and found staff recording tourist numbers on their hands while handling cash payments.
The inspection, led by officials from Thailand’s anti-corruption agency, took place on April 2 at Maya Bay and nearby Bamboo Island within Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. It marked the second surprise visit to assess how entrance fees are collected.
Investigators identified five key concerns: continued reliance on cash payments, difficult working conditions for staff, risks associated with transporting cash, limited staff welfare, and a lack of technological support.
Observers noted that park workers manually count arriving tourists as they disembark from boats, separating Thai and foreign visitors, as well as adults and children. In some cases, numbers were written on the palms of hands before being relayed via radio to collection points further inland, where tour guides then pay fees in cash.
Officials warned that the system poses risks, including potential loss of funds, counting errors, and safety concerns during cash transport back to the mainland.
In response, park officials insisted the process remains transparent and follows established regulations. They explained that all visitors must pass through a counting checkpoint at Loh Samah Bay, where staff verify numbers before communicating them to fee collection stations.
At the payment point, guides or company representatives must confirm visitor numbers and present proof of payment. Staff cross-check the figures with earlier counts and verify e-ticket receipts or collect additional fees if discrepancies are found. Random re-checks are also conducted when necessary.
Authorities emphasized that the system complies with Department of National Parks regulations on revenue handling and has been regularly reviewed by oversight bodies.
Despite concerns, the park reported strong income figures, with nearly 400 million baht collected between October 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026 — totaling 394,884,809 baht.
Officials acknowledged the feedback from inspectors and said improvements, including potential upgrades to digital systems, would be considered to enhance efficiency and reduce risks in Krabi.
