After tour operators raised a hue and cry following the announcement that entrance fees would be raised by as much as 150 per cent, the Association of Thai Travel Agents as well as Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association submitted letters to the DNP as well as the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment demand a review.
They complained that not enough advanced notice was given and that the department should have explained why it needed to make such hefty increases.
ATTA also filed complaints to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and Parliamentary Standing Committee on Tourism and Sports.
ATTA secretary-general Charoen Wangananont said after the meeting with Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Preecha Rengsomboonsuk, “The Minister understands the tour operators’ point and agreed to postpone the rise…
“The hiked fees are not reasonable and our fees would then be far more expensive than other parks in the region. Also, the private sector should be included in discussions when fee raises are on the table.”
Despite the request by tour operators that the DNP postpone the rise until October 2013, when new contracts with tour companies overseas begin, the DNP gave them until just January 1.
However, a reliable source at the DNP said that another postponement might follow after further discussions.
The national park announcement came at very short notice, on August 20, with the new fees to take effect from October 1, which was not enough time for tour operators to renegotiate rates with overseas partners that include in packages the cost of national park fees.
The new fees apply at top-ranked national parks such as Khao Yai, Inthanon, Erawan, Doi Suthep-Pui, Huai Nam Dang, Mu Ko Surin and Mu Ko Similan. Fees will be B100 for a Thai (B50, for a child) and B500 for a foreigner (B300 for a child).
Since December 2007, Thai visitors have paid B40 at the listed national parks except for Mu Ko Surin and Mu Ko Similan which costs B80.
Foreigners paid B200 except for Mu Ko Surin, Mu Ko Similan, Pha Hom Pok, Inthanon, Thung Salaeng Luang, Phu Kradung, Khao Yai, Lanta and Hat Noppharatthara-Mu Ko Phi Phi, which all charged B400 per entry.