Park life: Thailand eases alcohol rules for officials, not tourists
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) in Thailand has revised regulations to permit alcohol consumption in designated areas within national parks. However, this relaxation applies only to officials and organised groups who obtain permission, while tourists remain prohibited from consuming alcohol.
The department, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), has been gathering public feedback on the draft regulations for accessing national parks. Key updates include clarifications on the use of park spaces, the regulation of unmanned vehicles such as drones, and guidelines for holding sporting events for governmental benefit.
One significant change, as outlined in the updated regulations, permits alcohol consumption but only in designated club areas within the parks, with the necessary approval from the park’s head.
This amendment allows park heads to specify secluded areas for recreation without the need for new construction, utilising existing buildings or meeting rooms.
The relaxation primarily benefits departmental officials or organised groups engaging in activities within the parks, such as educational excursions, and not for unrestricted tourist use.
Tourist alcohol consumption remains restricted unless involved in special, approved activities, with noise disturbances strictly forbidden.
National Parks Director-General Attapol Charoenchansa explained that the regulation aims to provide relaxation opportunities for department staff, who previously had to leave the park for gatherings, risking accidents upon return.
Heads of national parks can designate these club spaces, a necessity due to longstanding prohibitions that often contradicted reality. Nonetheless, this does not allow for constant drinking and activities must be pre-approved, reported KhaoSod.
The process of public consultation has concluded, and the next step involves the director-general approving the regulations before forwarding them to the Cabinet Secretariat for official publication. The regulations are expected to be enforced within the next two months.
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