The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is taking around 1 million baht a day in entry fees from tourists visiting the Phi Phi islands – there are five, including the two best-known islands of Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Leh. The tally is from when the e-ticket system was launched in July, 2022.
The chief of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi-Phi National Park has confirmed the figure, saying revenue on entry tickets has increased by 20 – 30% since the system was introduced. Rakchanok Paenoi adds that total revenue since July 2022 is now around 137 million baht, with around 4,000 visitors a day.
She adds that this month alone, visitor numbers have increased 2 – 3 times when compared to April 2022. Most foreign tourists are from Europe and Russia, with tourist numbers expected to increase further during this week’s Songkran holiday.
However, Rakchanok says there is currently an issue with the poor telephone signal in the area around the islands, which is affecting the ticketing process. In some cases, park officials are unable to check visitors’ e-tickets due to a lack of signal. The problem also means e-tickets can’t be issued for tourists who want to travel on to the surrounding islands, including Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phai.
Meanwhile, the head of the national parks department says officials plan to promote the use of e-tickets at all national parks within 2 years. He says the 2-year closure of the Hat Noppharat Thara Mu Ko Phi-Phi National Park during the Covid-19 pandemic has revived the ecosystem, with black-tipped reef sharks having returned to Maya Bay.
SOURCE: Thai PBS World
