Bangkok (VNA) – The National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department under Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has been asked to study the feasibility⛎ of allowing the private sector to manage accommodation and food services in designated zones within national parks.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Chalermchai Sri-on said on March 14 that he has visited many national parks in the past several months and discovered that their officials not only have to protect the forests and wildlife from poachers, but also have to provide services to visiting tourists, such as room rentals and food services. He admitted that the concept of involving the private sector could mistakenly be seen by some people as the ministry wants to exploit natural resources for commercial gain. However, the minister said that he believes, if implemented, it would both ease the burden on park officials, allowing them to concentrate on protecting the forests, and generate extra revenue for the cash-strapped department. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, the department’s director-general, said he personally agreed with the concept, especially during the tourist season, when major parks are very busy. He said Thailand can adopt two potential models. One is the Yosemite National Park in California and the other in China, in which certain facilities in selected areas are open to private management. Atthaphon said that other stakeholders, such as local communities, should be involved in assessing the idea, to ensure transparency./.