Free Entrance At National Parks This Week To Mark Coronation Day

Free entrance at national parks this week to mark Coronation Day

By Janjira Pongrai

The Nation

Sixty national parks across the country, including Chiang Mai's Doi Inthanon, Nakhon Ratchasima's Khao Yai and Loei's Phu Kra Dueng parks, will waive their entrance fees until Sunday in celebration of His Majesty's 60th coronation anniversary on Wednesday.

National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department's director-general Jatuporn Burutpath said yesterday that exhibitions would also be held at parks visited by the Royal Family. The highlight would be historic photographs taken of Their Majesties during their visit on elephant back to Phu Kra Dueng on November 6, 1955, and their overnight stay at Khao Yai on October 29, 1961, he said.

The department is also preparing seedlings for visitors to help reforest some areas as well as a book for them to sign their wishes for His Majesty.

As part of a pilot project, the department is also planning to have nine major national parks to allow members of the public free access as well as organise exhibitions to honour the monarch on his 84th birthday anniversary next year, Jatuporn said.

As for the project of bringing Khao Yai, Doi Inthanon, Kaeng Krajan and Tarutao national parks up to par with five-star accommodation, he said they were waiting for contractors to accept adjusted blueprints, were ready to propose a new management plan and were getting officials to get proper hotel training. They are also improving the accommodation currently available to make it clean and welcoming, as well as allocating appropriate zones for setting up tents so it does not affect the environment, he added.

-- The Nation 2010-05-05

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