Chanarong Pantan, 44, the park official stationed Koh Poda, off the coast of Krabi confessed to the charge, Ao Nang Police investigator Lt Songpon Boonchai told The Phuket News today (April 18).
Chanarong’s arrest followed Sarayut Tantien, Chief of the Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, receiving a complaint from a longtail boat operator who took four tourists into the park at 17:30pm on April 16.
The longtail boatman said he he was handed two tickets for B200 (numbered 099-100) and two tickets for B400 (numbered 033-034) – but was asked to pay B1,600 to allow all four into the park.
“Hat Noppharat Thara - Phi Phi Island National Park investigated this claim. It is defrauding tourists, which damages the state,” Chief Sarayut said in his complaint that was filed at Ao Nang Police on Sunday (April 16).
“This official has been arrested and charged with fraud causing damage to the state,” confirmed Lt Songpon this afternoon.
“The official has confessed to the offence,” Lt Songpon said.