'Eco-makover' planned for Phuket’s national park
Nattha Thepbamrung


The debris left along the beaches by the demolition of illegal structures will be all cleared by the end of the year, Park officials say.

PHUKET: -- With demolition of encroaching structures along Phuket’s northern beaches now complete, Sirinart Marine National Park Office plans to ‘readjust’ the landscape and install facilities in the Naiyang Beach area to promote eco-tourism.

National Park Chief Assistant Neramit Songsaeng said that, in addition to planting new trees in plots once occupied by bars and beach clubs at Sai Kaew, Mai Khao and Naiyang beaches, more facilities will be built, including a tourist centre at Naiyang.

“We plan to renovate the existing office building and turn it into a proper tourism center,” he explained.

“A team of designers assigned by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation will be here from December 23 to 28 to design the centre along with an exhibition space to showcase areas of interest,” said Mr Neramit.

Park visitor fees will be used to fund construction of the new facilities. The Park Office has an annual budget of B2.7 million, of which about B2.1 million goes towards staff salaries, with the remaining B600,000 being spent on maintenance.

Mr Neramit said trash and debris left over from the demolition should be cleared by the end of the year by park staff with the help of volunteer groups.

Sirinart Marine National Park has the largest casuarina pine forest in the nation and the beaches are abundant with rare flora and fauna, including sea turtles, he noted.

The office also aims to promote nearby diving and snorkeling spots. Snorkelers can explore the 20 kilometers of coral reef along Saikaew, Maikhao, Naiyang, Naithon and Layan beaches.

Scuba divers can go to Waew Island, which is just 10 minutes from the park office and still, Mr Neramit says, in pristine condition.

Plans for improving the view at Naiyang Beach include erecting a 3D sign on the beach front saying “I ♥ Sirinart”. The sunset will be visible through the heart shape.

The eco-tourism project includes recruiting local fishermen who are not allowed to fish in national park waters. They will be given jobs as tour guides.

“The [tour] prices will be controlled by the National Park office. They will not be expensive,” said Mr Neramit.

First though, the DNP will have to mark off the park boundaries in the sea with buoys, and will install designating boat moorings, and mark diving areas and pick-up-and-drop-off points on each of the beaches.

Source: http://www.thephuketnews.com/eco-makover-planned-for-phukets-national-park-50183.php


-- Phuket News 2014-12-18

B2.1 million for wages & B600,000 for maintenance sounds a bit out of kilter to me, but I suppose this is Thailand.