Park fee hike postponed

PHUKET: The Royal Forestry Department (RFD) has announced that the increase in entrance fees to Thailand’s national parks will be postponed until October 1, 2001. Announcing the postponement, the RFD said it had decided to delay charging the higher fees in order to “encourage tourism” and to give tour operators and travel agents time to adjust their rates. The fee increase, which will apply only to foreigners, was due to come into effect on September 13. The new fee – 200 baht for foreign adults and 100 baht for foreign children – sparked complaints not only from foreigners, but also from tour operators nationwide, mainly because it was announced only two weeks before it was to be applied. The RFD has yet to advise whether foreigners resident in Thailand will have to pay the higher fee when it goes into effect next year.