The department says it expects to earn 1.2 billion baht this year, up from 880 million baht last year, thanks to changes to the entry fee collection system.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has allocated 500 million baht (US$14.2 million) to upgrade the 50 most popular national parks by the end of this year, according to a report in The Bangkok Post.
It is estimated 13 million people visit national parks every year.
The department says it expects to earn 1.2 billion baht this year, up from 880 million baht last year, thanks to changes to the entry fee collection system.
The director-general said the budget will be allocated to improve the parks, including accommodation, toilets, restaurant services and other facilities, which visitors should appreciate.
The parks may also be able to hire private tourist operators to look after tourists at some parks or hire more officials to take charge of hospitality services.
The department has a five-year plan to improve parks nationwide, including a plan to renovate accommodation and improve other facilities, such as landscaping and waste management systems.
The plan is expected to start this year.
The department is seeking a separate funding from the ministry of tourism and sports, which so far has allocated 250 million baht to improve Than Bok Khorani National Park in Krabi province, Erawan National Park, Khao Yai National Park, and Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai province as pilot projects.
Source: The Bangkok Post