Similan scandal: Park boss booted over dodgy e-ticket scheme
A top official at one of Thailand’s most iconic national parks has been reportedly booted from his post amid a brewing scandal over alleged ticket fraud.
Rittikorn Nunloy, head of Mu Ko Similan National Park in Phang Nga province, has been transferred to an inactive position following reports of serious irregularities in the park’s e-ticketing system.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) made the move after a task force uncovered alarming discrepancies during a surprise inspection at islands No. 4 and No. 8—two of the park’s most popular spots.
“At least 15 ferries, each carrying around 50 tourists, were recorded docking over four hours,” said Atthaphon Charoenchansa, DNP Director General. “But only five passengers per boat were registered on the e-ticket platform.”
In a bizarre twist, the task force found park officials logged up to 20 Thai passengers per boat, yet barely any Thai tourists were present. In contrast, most visitors appeared to be foreigners.
A cross-check of past entry records showed over 40,000 Thai e-ticket buyers in the past month alone, a figure that sharply contradicts what inspectors observed on the ground.
The financial stakes are significant. Entry to the Similan Islands costs 100 baht for Thai adults and 500 baht for foreign tourists, while children pay 50 and 250 baht, respectively.
With hundreds of passengers arriving daily, the revenue from ticket sales should be substantial—if properly recorded.
Atthaphon explained that the park had moved to a digital ticketing system to prevent theft and reduce congestion at entry points caused by cash transactions and limited change.
“Mu Ko Similan is Thailand’s first national park to implement a fully e-ticket-based system.”
Nestled 70 kilometres off the coast in the Andaman Sea, Mu Ko Similan is famed for its spectacular coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and crystal-clear waters. The 11-island archipelago is a world-renowned diving destination, drawing thousands of visitors from across the globe.
A full investigation is now underway, and the DNP has vowed to get to the bottom of the alleged scam, reported The Nation.
“A committee will be established to probe these irregularities thoroughly,” Atthaphon said. “We are committed to transparency and accountability in our national parks.”
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