List of national parks of Thailand

Haeo Suwat waterfall in Khao Yai National Park, Thailand's first national park, designated in 1961.

National parks in Thailand (Thai: อุทยานแห่งชาติ) are defined as an area that contains natural resources of ecological importance or unique beauty, or flora and fauna of special importance. As of 2019 Thailand's protected areas included 156 national parks, 58 wildlife sanctuaries, 67 non-hunting areas, and 120 forest parks. They cover almost 31 percent of the kingdom's territory.[1]

The parks are administered by the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (DNP), of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE). The department was created in 2002, and took over the national parks from the Royal Forest Department of the Ministry of Agriculture.[2]

The first national park was Khao Yai in 1961, when the National Park Act B.E. 2504 was passed. The first marine park was Khao Sam Roi Yot, established in 1966. In 1993 the administration of the national parks was split into two divisions, one for the terrestrial and one for the Marine National Park Division (MNPD).[3]

Controversies about Thailand's national parks include complaints over excessive development and allotment of private concessions. Ko Samet, and other island-based national parks, are particularly impacted by the activities of private concessions, often in the form of excessive bungalow developments. Many of the northern parks are greatly impacted by illegal swidden farming and poaching.

Thai highlands (Part 1: 19 national parks)

Name Province Area (km²) Area (sq mi) Order N.P. DNP Gazette date Gazette source PARO Visitors
Doi Inthanon Chiang Mai 482 186 6 [1] 13-06-1978 [2] 16 874,372
Doi Pha Hom Pok Chiang Mai 524 202 97 [3] 04-09-2000 [4] 16 90,844
Doi Suthep–Pui Chiang Mai 257 99 24 [5] 26-09-1982 [6] 16 328,659
Khun Khan Chiang Mai 208 80 126 [7] 18-05-2012 [8] 16 587
Mae Takhrai Chiang Mai,
Lamphun
354 137 131 [9] 12-12-2017 [10] 16 26,562
Mae Wang Chiang Mai 120 46 112 [11] 20-11-2009 [12] 16 80,375
Op Luang Chiang Mai 553 213 68 [13] 04-12-1991 [14] 16 42,708
Pha Daeng Chiang Mai 1,123 433 99 [15] 02-11-2000 [16] 16 44,741
Si Lanna Chiang Mai 1,405 542 60 [17] 08-08-2012 [18] 16 81,664
Doi Luang Chiang Rai,
Phayao, Lampang
1,169 451 61 [19] 29-11-2005 [20] 15 41,016
Khun Chae Chiang Rai 270 104 80 [21] 14-08-1995 [22] 15 11,240
Mae Ping Lamphun, Tak,
Chiang Mai
1,004 387 31 [23] 21-12-1994 [24] 16 39,895
Huai Nam Dang Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai 1,252 483 81 [25] 14-08-1995 [26] 16 164,063
Namtok Mae Surin Mae Hong Son 397 153 37 [27] 29-10-1981 [28] 16BR 5,471
Salawin Mae Hong Son 721 278 78 [29] 09-11-1994 [30] 16BR 2,054
Tham Pla–
Namtok Phu Suea
Mae Hong Son 630 243 116 [31] 23-12-2009 [32] 16BR 89,047
Doi Phu Nang Phayao 860 332 127 [33] 13-06-2012 [34] 15 35,181
Mae Puem Phayao,
Chiang Rai
351 135 120 [35] 25-12-2009 [36] 15 12,367
Phu Sang Phayao,
Chiang Rai
285 110 98 [37] 02-11-2000 [38] 15 111,009

Not yet published in the Government Gazette (9 national parks)

Name Province Area
(km²)
Area
(sq mi)
22 N.P.
(preparation)
DNP PARO Visitors
Doi Wiang Pha Chiang Mai,
Chiang Rai
303 117 13 [39] 16 1,704
Mae Tho Chiang Mai 433 167 3 [40] 16 1,327
Namtok Bua Thong-Nam Phu Chet Si Chiang Mai 86 33 9 [41] 16 167,969
Op Khan Chiang Mai 227 88 15 [42] 16 61,832
Lam Nam Kok Chiang Rai 587 227 18 [43] 15 104,844
Phu Chi Fa Chiang Rai 93 36 21 [44] 15 289,755
Tham Luang–Khun Nam Nang Non Chiang Rai 19 7 7 [45] 15 1,573,476
Mae Ngao Mae Hong Son,
Tak
228 86 11 [46] 16BR 6,304
Mae Sariang Mae Hong Son 192 74 12 [47] 16BR 0

Thai highlands (Part 2: 31 national parks)

Name Province Area (km²) Area (sq mi) Order N.P. DNP Gazette date Gazette source PARO Visitors
Khlong Lan Kamphaeng Phet 300 120 44 [48] 25-12-1982 [49] 12 206,407
Khlong Wang Chao Kamphaeng Phet, Tak 747 288 63 [50] 29-08-1990 [51] 12 33,370
Mae Wong Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan 894 345 54 [52] 14-09-1987 [53] 12 51,826
Chae Son Lampang 768 297 58 [54] 28-12-2000 [55] 13BR 248,381
Doi Chong Lampang, Lamphun 336 130 130 [56] 26-04-2019 [1] 13BR 8,827
Mae Wa Lampang, Tak 582 225 101 [57] 17-11-2000 [58] 13BR 5,878
Doi Khun Tan Lamphun, Lampang 255 99 10 [59] 05-03-1975 [60] 13BR 15,968
Doi Phu Kha Nan 1,704 658 94 [61] 17-06-1999 [62] 13 63,102
Khun Nan Nan 249 96 111 [63] 15-07-2009 [64] 13 2,645
Khun Sathan Nan 342 132 130 [65] 25-03-2017 [66] 13 31,945
Mae Charim Nan 432 167 106 [67] 06-07-2007 [68] 13 10,086
Si Nan Nan 1,024 395 104 [69] 25-05-2007 [70] 13 115,358
Tham Sakoen Phayao, Nan 250 97 128 [71] 21-04-2016 [72] 13 11,987
Khao Kho Phetchabun 483 186 125 [73] 18-05-2012 [74] 11 33,609
Nam Nao Phetchabun 966 373 5 [75] 26-09-1982 [76] 11 31,840
Tat Mok Phetchabun 290 110 87 [77] 30-10-1998 [78] 11 17,872
Namtok Chat Trakan Phitsanulok 543 210 55 [79] 02-11-1987 [80] 11 13,033
Phu Hin Rong Kla Phitsanulok, Loei 307 119 48 [81] 26-07-1984 [82] 11 289,210
Thung Salaeng Luang Phitsanulok, Phetchabun 1,262 487 3 [83] 27-05-1975 [84] 11 52,126
Doi Pha Klong Phrae 189 73 107 [85] 06-07-2007 [86] 13 3,891
Mae Yom Phrae, Lampang 455 175 51 [87] 01-03-1986 [88] 13 6,738
Wiang Kosai Phrae, Lampang 410 158 35 [89] 12-05-2011 [90] 13 22,860
Ramkhamhaeng Sukhothai 341 132 18 [91] 27-10-1980 [92] 14 23,356
Si Satchanalai Sukhothai 213 82 26 [93] 08-05-1981 [94] 14 10,569
Khun Phawo Tak 397 153 115 [95] 23-12-2009 [96] 14 10,307
Lan Sang Tak 104 40 15 [97] 14-05-1979 [98] 14 38,882
Mae Moei Tak 185 71 92 [99] 20-05-1999 [100] 14 8,836
Taksin Maharat Tak 149 58 38 [101] 23-12-1981 [102] 14 30,194
Lam Nam Nan Uttaradit, Phrae 999 386 84 [103] 30-09-1998 [104] 11 27,926
Phu Soi Dao Uttaradit 340 130 109 [105] 28-05-2008 [106] 11 19,706
Ton Sak Yai Uttaradit 519 200 103 [107] 04-12-2003 [108] 11 4,089

Not yet published in the Government Gazette (6 national parks)

Name Province Area
(km²)
Area
(sq mi)
22 N.P.
(preparation)
DNP PARO Visitors
Khelang Banphot Lampang 80 31 5 [109] 13BR 1,575
Tham Pha Thai Lampang 1,230 463 1 [110] 13BR 33,873
Nanthaburi Nan 427 165 2 [111] 13 5,248
Khwae Noi Phitsanulok 198 76 8 [112] 11 5,692
Doi Soi Malai Tak 355 137 17 [113] 14 28,155
Namtok Pha Charoen Tak 770 297 14 [114] 14 152,539

Northeast (21 national parks)

Name Province Area
(km²)
Area
(sq mi)
Order N.P. DNP Gazette date Gazette source PARO Visitors
Pa Hin Ngam Chaiyaphum 100 39 105 [115] 06-06-2007 [116] 7 106,428
Phu Laenkha Chaiyaphum 200 77 108 [117] 27-07-2007 [118] 7 93,869
Sai Thong Chaiyaphum 319 123 77 [119] 30-12-1992 [120] 7 51,233
Tat Ton Chaiyaphum 217 84 23 [121] 31-12-1980 [122] 7 388,665
Nam Phong Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum 197 76 100 [123] 15-11-2000 [124] 8 68,273
Phu Kao–
Phu Phan Kham
Nong Bua Lamphu, Khon Kaen 318 123 50 [125] 09-04-2010 [126] 10 4,337
Phu Pha Man Khon Kaen, Loei 350 135 72 [127] 08-12-1991 [128] 8 9,682
Phu Wiang Khon Kaen 325 125 71 [129] 08-12-1991 [130] 8 6,150
Phu Kradueng Loei 348 134 2 [131] 25-10-1978 [132][dead link] 8 86,259
Phu Ruea Loei 121 47 16 [133] 26-07-1979 [134] 8 169,643
Phu Suan Sai Loei 117 45 79 [135] 23-11-1994 [136] 8 9,907
Phu Pha Thoep Mukdahan 48 19 59 [137] 18-07-2003 [138] 9 47,609
Phu Sa Dok Bua Mukdahan, Yasothon,
Amnat Charoen
231 89 75 [139] 30-12-1992 [140] 9 1,812
Phu Langka Nakhon Phanom, Bueng Kan 50 19 117 [141] 23-12-2009 [142] 10 24,151
Phu Pha Lek Sakon Nakhon,
Udon Thani, Kalasin
404 156 118 [143] 23-12-2009 [144] 10 1,036
Phu Phan Sakon Nakhon, Kalasin 665 257 7 [145] 29-10-1982 [146] 10 4,895
Phu Pha Yon Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan 829 320 57 [147] 28-07-1988 [148] 10 5,025
Khao Phra Wihan Sisaket,
Ubon Ratchathani
130 50 83 [149] 20-03-1998 [150] 9 202,616
Kaeng Tana Ubon Ratchathani 80 31 33 [151] 13-07-1981 [152] 9 31,170
Pha Taem Ubon Ratchathani 340 130 74 [153] 30-12-1991 [154] 9 180,155
Phu Chong–Na Yoi Ubon Ratchathani 686 265 53 [155] 01-06-1987 [156] 9 86,252

Not yet published in the Government Gazette (2 national parks)

Name Province Area
(km²)
Area
(sq mi)
22 N.P.
(preparation)
DNP PARO Visitors
Phu Hin Chom That–Phu Phra Bat Nong Bua Lamphu,
Udon Thani, Loei
177 68 20 [157] 10 12,162
Na Yung–Nam Som Udon Thani, Loei
Nong Khai
397 153 10 [158] 10 8,357

Central-East (27 national parks)

Name Province Area
(km²)
Area
(sq mi)
Order N.P. DNP Gazette date Gazette source PARO Visitors
Ta Phraya Buriram, Sa Kaeo 594 229 82 [159] 22-11-1996 [160] 1 3,398
Khao Khitchakut Chanthaburi 59 23 14 [161] 24-09-1998 [162] 2 1,179,671
Khao Sip Ha Chan Chanthaburi 118 46 122 [163] 25-12-2009 [164] 2 9,557
Namtok Phlio Chanthaburi 135 52 11 [165] 02-05-1975 [166] 2 671,396
Chaloem Rattanakosin Kanchanaburi 59 23 17 [167] 12-02-1980 [168] 3 31,536
Erawan Kanchanaburi 550 210 12 [169] 14-08-1975 [170] 3 650,852
Khao Laem Kanchanaburi 1,497 578 67 [171] 14-08-2009 [172] 3 66,192
Khuean Srinagarindra Kanchanaburi 1,532 592 39 [173] 23-12-1981 [174] 3 145,254
Lam Khlong Ngu Kanchanaburi 673 260 123 [175] 25-12-2009 [176] 3 4,032
Sai Yok Kanchanaburi 500 190 19 [177] 27-10-1980 [178] 3 117,401
Thong Pha Phum Kanchanaburi 1,236 477 114 [179] 23-12-2009 [180] 3 112,332
Khao Yai Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, Saraburi 2,166 836 1 [181] 18-09-1962 [182] 1 1,551,449
Kaeng Krachan Phetchaburi,
Prachuap Khiri Khan
2,915 1,125 28 [183] 24-09-1998 [184] 3BR 103,510
Thap Lan Prachinburi,
Nakhon Ratchasima
2,236 863 40 [185] 07-07-1989 [186] 1 57,075
Hat Wanakona Prachuap Khiri Khan 38 15 76 [187] 30-12-1992 [188] 3BR 43,268
Khao Sam Roi Yota Prachuap Khiri Khan 98 38 4 [189] 01-04-1982 [190] 3BR 164,735
Kui Buri Prachuap Khiri Khan 969 374 90 [191] 25-03-1999 [192] 3BR 20,746
Namtok Huai Yang Prachuap Khiri Khan 161 62 70 [193] 08-12-1991 [194] 3BR 26,906
Chaloem Phrakiat Thai Prachan Ratchaburi 329 127 124 [195] 24-01-2012 [196] 3 75,278
Khao Chamao–
Khao Wong
Rayong, Chanthaburi 84 32 13 [197] 31-12-1975 [198] 2 218,430
Khao Laem Ya–
Mu Ko Samet
a
Rayong 131 51 34 [199] 01-10-1981 [200] 2 1,619,908
Pang Sida Sa Kaeo 844 326 41 [201] 22-02-1982 [202] 1 58,382
Namtok Chet Sao Noi Saraburi, Nakhon
Ratchasima
42 16 129 [203] 26-12-2016 [204] 1BR 389,101
Namtok Sam Lan Saraburi 45 17 27 [205] 26-05-2017 [206] 1BR 45,828
Phu Toei Suphanburi 317 122 86 [207] 30-09-1998 [208] 3 8,830
Mu Ko Changa Trat 650 250 45 [209] 31-12-1982 [210] 2 249,895
Namtok Khlong Kaeo Trat 198 76 121 [211] 25-12-2009 [212] 2 25,814

Not yet published in the Government Gazette (1 national park)

Name Province Area
(km²)
Area
(sq mi)
22 N.P.
(preparation)
DNP PARO Visitors
Ao Siam Prachuap Khiri Khan 13 5 4 [213] 3BR 19,357

South (east coast: 15 national parks)

Name Province Area
(km²)
Area
(sq mi)
Order N.P. DNP Gazette date Gazette source PARO Visitors
Mu Ko Chumphona Chumphon 317 122 89 [214] 24-02-1999 [215] 4 52,919
Khao Luang Nakhon Si Thammarat 570 220 9 [216] 18-12-1974 [217] 5 84,649
Khao Nan Nakhon Si Thammarat 410 158 113 [218] 23-11-2009 [219] 5 6,772
Namtok Si Khit Nakhon Si Thammarat,
Surat Thani
145 56 95 [220] 17-06-1999 [221] 5 17,003
Namtok Yong Nakhon Si Thammarat 205 79 64 [222] 22-07-1991 [223] 5 97,604
Budo–Su-ngai Padi Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala 341 132 96 [224] 17-06-1999 [225] 6BR 35,913
Namtok Sai Khao Pattani, Yala, Songkhla 70 27 110 [226] 28-05-2008 [227] 6BR 105,163
Khao Pu–Khao Ya Phattalung, Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat 694 268 42 [228] 27-05-1982 [229][dead link] 6 167,309
Namtok Ngao Ranong, Chumphon 668 258 93 [230] 02-06-1999 [231] 4 125,815
Khao Nam Khang Songkhla 212 82 65 [232] 22-07-1991 [233] 6 1,789
Kaeng Krung Surat Thani 541 209 69 [234] 04-12-1991 [235] 4 909
Mu Ko Ang Thonga Surat Thani 102 39 21 [236] 12-11-1980 [237] 4 134,315
Tai Rom Yen Surat Thani 425 164 73 [238] 30-12-1991 [239] 4 14,436
Than Sadet–
Ko Pha-ngan
Surat Thani 43 17 132 [240] 22-11-2018 [241] 4 158,090
Bang Lang Yala 261 101 88 [242] 24-02-1999 [243] 6BR 10,985

a Marine parks

Not yet published in the Government Gazette (4 national parks)

Name Province Area
(km²)
Area
(sq mi)
22 N.P.
(preparation)
DNP PARO Visitors
Hat Khanom–
Mu Ko Thale Tai
a
Nakhon Si Thammarat,
Surat Thani
312 120 16 [244] 5 24,455
Ao Manao–Khao Tanyong Narathiwat 24 9 22 [245] 6BR 95,961
Namtok Si Po Narathiwat 66 25 19 [246] 6BR 25,831
San Kala Khiri Songkhla 143 55 6 [247] 6 7,527

South (west coast: 20 national parks)

Name Province Area
(km²)
Area
(sq mi)
Order N.P. DNP Gazette date Gazette source PARO Visitors
Hat Noppharat Thara–
Mu Ko Phi Phi
a
Krabi 388 150 47 [248] 13-10-1998 [249] 5 1,142,113
Khao Phanom Bencha Krabi 50 19 29 [250] 09-07-1981 [251] 5 17,307
Mu Ko Lantaa Krabi 134 52 62 [252] 15-08-1990 [253] 5 217,431
Than Bok Khorania Krabi 104 40 85 [254] 30-09-1998 [255] 5 183,083
Ao Phang-ngaa Phang Nga 400 150 25 [256] 29-04-1981 [257] 5 999,035
Khao Lak–Lam Rua Phang Nga 125 48 66 [258] 30-08-1991 [259] 5 72,162
Khao Lampi–
Hat Thai Mueang
a
Phang Nga 72 28 52 [260] 14-05-2010 [261] 5 50,496
Mu Ko Similana Phang Nga 140 54 43 [262] 25-09-1998 [263] 5 676,793
Mu Ko Surina Phang Nga 141 54 30 [264] 06-07-2007 [265] 5 54,171
Si Phang-nga Phang Nga 246 95 56 [266] 16-04-1988 [267] 5 21,251
Sirinata Phuket 90 35 32 [268] 13-07-1981 [269] 5 51,200
Laem Sona Ranong,
Phang Nga
315 122 46 [270] 19-08-1983 [271] 4 28,258
Lam Nam Kra Buria Ranong 160 62 91 [272] 21-04-1999 [273] 4 17,718
Mu Ko Ranonga Ranong 357 138 119 [274] 23-12-2009 [275] 4 482
Mu Ko Phetraa Satun, Trang 494 191 49 [276] 31-12-1984 [277] 5 129,851
Tarutaoa Satun 1490 580 8 [278] 19-04-1974 [279] 5 238,409
Thale Bana Satun 196 76 20 [280] 22-07-1991 [281] 5 11,996
Khao Sok Surat Thani 739 285 22 [282] 02-08-1994 [283] 4 419,470
Khlong Phanom Surat Thani 410 160 102 [284] 17-11-2000 [285] 4 1,711
Hat Chao Maia Trang 231 89 36 [286] 13-09-1989 [287] 5 83,023

a Marine parks

Not yet published in the Government Gazette (1 national park)

Name Province Area
(km²)
Area
(sq mi)
22 N.P.
(preparation)
DNP PARO Visitors
Mu Ko Ra–Ko Phra Thong Phang Nga 229 88 not listed [288] none 0

Changed names of national parks

Original name Date Changed name Date Province PARO
Mae Fang 04-09-2000 Doi Pha Hom Pok 26-09-2008 Chiang Mai 16
Doi Suthep 14-04-1981 Doi Suthep–Pui 26-09-1982 Chiang Mai 16
Chiang Dao 02-11-2000 Pha Daeng     -03-2006 Chiang Mai 16
Mae Haad–Mae Ko 13-07-1981 Mae Ping 13-07-1981 Lamphun 16
Mae Pung 23-01-1984 Mae Yom Phrae 13
Mai Klai Pen Hin Doi Soi Malai 22-05-2018 Tak 14
Ton Krabak Yai 23-12-1981 Taksin Maharat 31-08-1986 Tak 14
Khlong Tron 04-12-2003 Ton Sak Yai 12-07-2012 Uttaradit 11
Na Haeo 23-11-1994 Phu Suan Sai 31-05-2006 Loei 8
Mukdahan 28-12-1988 Phu Pha Thoep 31-05-2006 Mukdahan 9
Huai Huad 28-07-1988 Phu Pha Yon 28-08-2000 Sakon Nakhon 10
Phu Phaya Phu Hin Chom That–Phu Phra Bat Udon Thani 10
Khao Sa Bap 02-05-1975 Namtok Phlio 29-09-1982 Chanthaburi 2
Tham Than Lot Mai 12-02-1980 Chaloem Rattanakosin 01-07-1982 Kanchanaburi 3
Khao Sam Lan 02-06-1981 Namtok Sam Lan 26-05-2017 Saraburi 1
Phra Phutthachai 31-05-2006 Namtok Sam Lan 26-05-2017 Saraburi 1
Nai Yang 13-07-1981 Sirinat 12-08-1992 Phuket 5

Notes

  • Area: the area of the national park according to the last publication in the Government Gazette[4]
  • Area: the area of the national park (preparation) according to the DNP list[5]
  • Order N.P.: according to first to last publication in the Government Gazette.
  • DNP: more information and a map of the specific national park.
  • Gazette date: the date of the last publication in the Government Gazette.
  • Gazette source: the webpage with the pdf document of the publication in the Government Gazette.
  • PARO: management of Thailand's national parks since 2002 in 16 regions with 5 branches.
  • Visitors: visitor numbers to Thailand's national parks are for the 2019 fiscal year, which runs from October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2019.[6]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Five New National Parks in Thailand". The Government Public Relations Department. 6 August 2019. Retrieved 4 January 2022.
  2. ^ "ประวัติความเป็นมา" [History]. Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (in Thai). 2022. Retrieved 5 January 2022, เกี่ยวกับหน่วยงาน - About the agency - ประวัติความเป็นมา - History.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
  3. ^ Meprasert, Somrudee; Oregon State University (2006). The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami: Tourism impacts and recovery progress in Thailand's marine national parks. pp. 11–. ISBN 978-0-542-96361-2. Retrieved October 2, 2011.
  4. ^ "ข้อมูลพื้นที่อุทยานแห่งชาติ ที่ประกาศในราชกิจจานุบกษา 133 แห่ง" [National Park Area Information published in the 133 Government Gazettes]. Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (in Thai). December 2020. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
  5. ^ "ข้อมูลพื้นที่อุทยานแห่งชาติ (เตรียมการ) 22 แห่ง" [Information of 22 National Parks Areas (Preparation)]. Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (in Thai). December 2020. Retrieved 1 November 2022.
  6. ^ https://portal.dnp.go.th/Content/nationalpark?contentld=20014, which contains the list of visitors of national parks of Thailand in the fiscal year 2019, can't be reached directly (not logged in). But by googling the following name, give acces to this page: สถิตินักท่องเที่ยวที่เข้าไปในอุทยานแห่งชาติ ปีงบประมาณ พ.ศ. 2562 Then choose ป่ 2562 (year 2562).

External links

  • National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department
  • The former National Park Division of the Forest Department
  • The former Marine National Park Division of the Forest Department
  • List of Thailand National parks
  • Birdwatching sites in Thailand
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