Chaithach Boonphupantanti, Chief of the Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, was transferred to Director of Watershed Conservation on June 18.
Sarayut Tantien, the former chief at Khao Phanom Bencha National Park in Krabi, has now been installed as the new Phi Phi park chief.
“On May 17, one day prior to National Reform Council officials taking over operations at the park, the park entrance fees reported as collected was B80,360,” revealed Department of National Park ,Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) Director Nipon Chotibal.
“But the next day, when NRC officials took over managing the accounts for the park (on May 18), the entry fees collected was recorded at B522,980.”
From May 18 to June 17, the NRC officials recorded a total of B8,069,190 collected as park entry fees at Phi Phi.
“That’s an average of B500,000 more per day, so about B30 million per month has not been accounted for,” Chief Nipon said.
The NRC and the DNP have now launched investigations into the operation of Moo Koh Surin Nation Park, Moo Koh Similan National Park, Moo Koh Lanta National Park and Ao Nang National Park.
“Suspicion of defrauding the NRC and the DNP is a serious offence,” Mr Nipon said.
“And we are investigating high-level officers involved,” he added.