Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

New regulations are introduced for access to "Krabi Urban Forest: The Wonders of Khao Khanap Nam," including service fees for visitors, vehicles, and film productions, according to the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR). DMCR director-general Pinsak Suraswadi announced that management upgrades aim to reach international standards and generate revenue for sustainable mangrove protection. The changes involve designating areas within the Krabi Yai Canal Forest and Nuea Khlong Canal Forest as service areas under the 2025 project framework.

This move aligns with the 2023 regulations on collecting fees in national reserved mangrove forests. Revenue from these fees will contribute to mangrove conservation and help fund local administrative bodies. Specific fees are set for film and media productions based on production type, as well as for individuals and vehicles accessing these areas.

All regulations were published on December 18 in the Royal Gazette and will be effective by mid-March. Experts suggest that the fees will support crucial conservation efforts while balancing tourist and film industry interests. This initiative is expected to ensure the protection and long-term sustainability of the local mangrove ecosystem.

Future developments include monitoring the implementation of these regulations and assessing their impact on the region’s ecology and economy. Authorities plan to explore additional measures for enhancing the area's ecological protection and visitor experience, reported Bangkok Post.

Key Takeaways

• New fees for accessing Krabi Urban Forest aim for sustainability.

• Revenue aids local conservation and administration efforts.

• Regulations will be effective from mid-March.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2026-01-23

 

 

Money money money.....Abba was singing it already many years ago

As a coastal scientist, the article is right up my alley!

I applaud this excellent move by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR).

Their decision to implement structured fees for accessing the Krabi Urban Forest is not a restriction but a vital investment in its future!

Rather that just an eyesore, mangroves are among the most productive and crucial ecosystems on the planet. They protect coastlines from erosion and storms, serve as nurseries for countless marine species, and sequester carbon at an incredible rate.

However, people don't seem to realization that managing, protecting, and restoring these areas requires consistent funding. As I know from experience, relying solely on government budgets is often insufficient.

By directing revenue from visitors, vehicles, and film productions back into mangrove conservation and local administrative bodies, the DMCR is creating a powerful, self-reinforcing cycle:

1. Funding: It provides a dedicated income stream for trail maintenance, anti-encroachment patrols, replanting initiatives, and educational programs.

2. Valuing the Resource: A modest fee reinforces the idea that this is a valuable, fragile national treasure worth paying to preserve, not a free-for-all public space.

3. Supporting Locals: Funding local administrative bodies ensures that communities who live alongside these forests have a direct stake and benefit from their protection, turning them into active guardians.

4. Managing Impact: Fees, especially for commercial filming, help manage visitor volume and ensure that high-impact activities contribute meaningfully to mitigation efforts.

The aim to reach "international standards" is spot-on. Many of the world's most pristine and well-managed natural sites operate on similar models.

Before people complain about money-gouging they need to realise that this is a professional approach to conservation. It recognizes both the ecological value and the growing tourist appeal of Krabi's unique mangrove forests.

For me, this is a win for the environment, a win for sustainable tourism, and a win for the local community.

Well done DMCR for finally deciding to implement a practical, long-term solution to protect these important Thai assets.

3 hours ago, Jim Waldron said:

As a coastal scientist, the article is right up my alley!

I applaud this excellent move by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR).

Their decision to implement structured fees for accessing the Krabi Urban Forest is not a restriction but a vital investment in its future!

Rather that just an eyesore, mangroves are among the most productive and crucial ecosystems on the planet. They protect coastlines from erosion and storms, serve as nurseries for countless marine species, and sequester carbon at an incredible rate.

However, people don't seem to realization that managing, protecting, and restoring these areas requires consistent funding. As I know from experience, relying solely on government budgets is often insufficient.

By directing revenue from visitors, vehicles, and film productions back into mangrove conservation and local administrative bodies, the DMCR is creating a powerful, self-reinforcing cycle:

1. Funding: It provides a dedicated income stream for trail maintenance, anti-encroachment patrols, replanting initiatives, and educational programs.

2. Valuing the Resource: A modest fee reinforces the idea that this is a valuable, fragile national treasure worth paying to preserve, not a free-for-all public space.

3. Supporting Locals: Funding local administrative bodies ensures that communities who live alongside these forests have a direct stake and benefit from their protection, turning them into active guardians.

4. Managing Impact: Fees, especially for commercial filming, help manage visitor volume and ensure that high-impact activities contribute meaningfully to mitigation efforts.

The aim to reach "international standards" is spot-on. Many of the world's most pristine and well-managed natural sites operate on similar models.

Before people complain about money-gouging they need to realise that this is a professional approach to conservation. It recognizes both the ecological value and the growing tourist appeal of Krabi's unique mangrove forests.

For me, this is a win for the environment, a win for sustainable tourism, and a win for the local community.

Well done DMCR for finally deciding to implement a practical, long-term solution to protect these important Thai assets.

Written by Grok, Gemini or ChatGPT, not worth reading..