Department of National Parks

  • Bangkok NewsPride and peril: Thai man caught ‘lion’ about cub safety rules

    Pride and peril: Thai man caught ‘lion’ about cub safety rules

    A Thai man is under investigation by the Department of National Parks (DPN) for transporting a lion cub without proper safety measures, a clear breach of wildlife transport laws. The man’s legal lion lapse could cost him dearly, with penalties including up to a year in prison and a hefty 100,000 baht fine. The situation roared into the spotlight after…

  • Thailand NewsHerd mentality: Thai activists stomp on elephant birth control plan

    Herd mentality: Thai activists stomp on elephant birth control plan

    Conservationists gathered yesterday to oppose the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s proposal to administer birth control injections to wild elephants. The Soo Phua Chang Network, advocating for elephants, convened at the ministry, urging a delay in the plan until comprehensive studies and reviews of the contraceptive injections are completed. They presented their petition to Minister Chalermchai Sri-on, and Naraphat…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s wild elephant population surges: Human conflict concern

    Thailand’s wild elephant population surges: Human conflict concern

    The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) released a report estimating Thailand’s wild elephant population to be between 4,013 and 4,422. These elephants are dispersed across 91 forests. The report highlights increasing conflicts between wild elephants and communities, particularly severe in the eastern forests, with an annual population growth rate of 8.2%, affecting 257 villages across six…

  • Bangkok NewsMonkey business: 100 macaques to be neutered in south Bangkok

    Monkey business: 100 macaques to be neutered in south Bangkok

    Bang Khun Thian district chief Passara Natheethong announced that up to 100 macaques in the south Bangkok district will be neutered this month as part of an ongoing initiative to control their population in the district. Last year, 122 macaques underwent the procedure. Around 330 macaques are estimated to roam freely in three locations: the Khun Kala Monument, the Thian…

  • Thailand NewsNew damselfly species discovered in Thai wildlife sanctuary

    New damselfly species discovered in Thai wildlife sanctuary

    Researchers from Thailand’s Department of National Parks (DNP) and Duy Tan University in Vietnam have made a significant discovery, identifying a new species of damselfly named Prodasineura sangkhla in the Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanchanaburi. The announcement was made at a press conference led by Veera Khunchaicharak, DNP deputy director-general. Joining him were Kaewphawika Jitthamma, a specialist entomologist from…

  • Thailand NewsThailand celebrates National Wildlife Protection Day

    Thailand celebrates National Wildlife Protection Day

    Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) celebrated National Wildlife Protection Day yesterday with the theme World – Wild – Life Balance: Sustainable Ecosystems for People, Wildlife, and Forests. The event included the official opening of the National Park Tourism Year 2025, aiming to enhance Thailand’s beaches to international standards. The ceremony took place at the Government…

  • Thailand NewsThailand to repatriate 900 seized lemurs and turtles to Madagascar

    Thailand to repatriate 900 seized lemurs and turtles to Madagascar

    Thailand is set to return over 900 lemurs and rare turtles to Madagascar, following a significant seizure from the illegal wildlife trade, as stated by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). The DNP announced that 963 animals, including ring-tailed lemurs, brown lemurs, spider tortoises, and radiated tortoises, are currently under the care of officials. These animals…

  • Thailand NewsGoing bananas: Thailand’s creative crackdown on Hua Hin’s monkey mayhem

    Going bananas: Thailand’s creative crackdown on Hua Hin’s monkey mayhem

    Innovative measures are underway in Thailand to address issues of monkey disturbances in the Hua Hin area, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), in collaboration with the Hua Hin Municipality, has launched a unique operation employing remote control traps to relocate monkeys from Khao Takiab and Khao Hin Lek Fai. The operation,…

  • Thailand NewsThailand govt to review Thap Lan National Park boundary

    Thailand govt to review Thap Lan National Park boundary

    Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Patcharawat Wongsuwan addressed public concerns over the proposed boundary adjustments to Thap Lan National Park in Prachin Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima. Public opinion will be considered before final decisions are made by this Friday, July 12. The issue currently undergoing public consultation has drawn mixed reactions, with some citizens voicing…

  • Thailand NewsThailand free of human bird flu cases since 2006

    Thailand free of human bird flu cases since 2006

    Thailand remains free of human bird flu cases, according to the Department of Disease Control (DDC). Authorities urge travellers from H5N2 outbreak areas to self-monitor for respiratory symptoms within 14 days of arrival and seek medical attention if symptoms arise. Travellers entering the country have been advised to remain vigilant for irregular respiratory symptoms. Immediate medical consultation is recommended if…

  • Thailand NewsChiang Mai seeks public input on Mae Hod Reservoir project

    Chiang Mai seeks public input on Mae Hod Reservoir project

    The Department of National Parks (DNP) in Chiang Mai is gathering public opinions on revoking parts of Ob Luang National Park to construct the Mae Hod Reservoir, aimed at increasing water resources for farmers and reducing drought risks. The Ob Luang National Park, situated in Chiang Mai, opened a forum for stakeholders and local communities to voice their opinions on…

  • Thailand NewsLop Buri’s growing macaque population to be relocated by DNP

    Lop Buri’s growing macaque population to be relocated by DNP

    An increasing macaque population has taken over downtown Lop Buri, prompting the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) to intervene. Athapol Charoenshunsa, the department chief, has unveiled plans to relocate these monkeys once their new holding facility is ready. Currently, an estimated 2,200 macaques are roaming freely within the city’s bounds, causing disruptions to local businesses and…

  • Thailand NewsForest fires in northern Thailand increase dangerous PM2.5 levels

    Forest fires in northern Thailand increase dangerous PM2.5 levels

    Forest fires in the northern provinces of Thailand have sparked an increase in atmospheric PM2.5 levels, leading to a stern warning from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. The department stated yesterday that severe legal consequences will be faced by those who illicitly ignite fires in forest lands. Department chief Athapol Charoenshunsa unveiled that they have recently…

  • Thailand NewsNew measures to protect Thailand’s elephants

    New measures to protect Thailand’s elephants

    As Thailand marks the country’s National Elephant Day, authorities are rolling out ambitious plans to safeguard the majestic creatures and mitigate human-elephant conflicts. With a blend of innovation, community involvement, and legislative actions, the nation aims to secure the future of both wild and domesticated elephants. Thailand, renowned for its vibrant culture and diverse wildlife, is home to a significant…

  • Thailand NewsThai agency may include monkeys in wildlife compensation scheme

    Thai agency may include monkeys in wildlife compensation scheme

    The Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP) is contemplating the inclusion of monkeys in its wildlife compensation programme. This consideration arises following an incident where a woman suffered injuries from a macaque attack, leading her to file a police complaint to secure compensation for her medical expenses. The victim, Arikanta Kanchanasinmetha, reported the incident at Tha…

  • Thailand NewsWest Thailand: Massive operation to save forests from devastating blaze

    West Thailand: Massive operation to save forests from devastating blaze

    More than 250 firefighters from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) have been deployed to the western forest complex to combat raging fires. With a whopping 1,600 hectares of forest already devastated, these brave souls are working tirelessly to prevent further destruction. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) issued alarming warnings regarding the threat…

  • Thailand NewsThailand investigates potential tiger migration between Thai and Myanmar forests

    Thailand investigates potential tiger migration between Thai and Myanmar forests

    The Department of National Parks (DNP), Wildlife and Plant Conservation in Thailand is investigating the movements of tigers, potentially traversing between Thai and Myanmar forests. This follows the discovery of tiger footprints in Chumphon, reported by a local wildlife sanctuary. Athapol Charoenshunsa, DNP director-general, confirmed the discovery of the footprints in the forest of Tambon Song Phi Nong, in Tha…

  • Thailand NewsTiny tusker in a mud muddle: Brave Thai park rangers rescue baby elephant in perilous plight

    Tiny tusker in a mud muddle: Brave Thai park rangers rescue baby elephant in perilous plight

    A group of intrepid park rangers in Thailand stumbled upon a lone baby elephant at Tat Mok National Park, trapped in mud up to its tiny ears, faced a perilous fate until the rangers stepped in. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) revealed that on January 11, vigilant park rangers discovered a baby elephant ensnared in…

  • Tourism NewsForest encroachment at Thap Lan puts tigers at risk

    Forest encroachment at Thap Lan puts tigers at risk

    Forest encroachment at Thap Lan National Park in Prachin Buri – the heartland of Thailand’s tiger population – has become so severe that Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa is considering the possibility of new borders being drawn up. Varawut said… “I’m confident the government won’t be disadvantaged by using forest borderlines to solve this problem inside the park.…

  • Environment NewsParks and sanctuaries closed by fire in N.Thailand

    Parks and sanctuaries closed by fire in N.Thailand

    Thailand’s air pollution centre has asked the Department of National Parks to close eight parks and wildlife sanctuaries in northern provinces to control forest fires. Department head Pinsak Suraswadi said that the closures will allow firefighters greater flexibility to deal with problems in the parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Average PM2.5 levels in the past 24 hours increased 67%, while hotspots…

  • Thailand NewsParks officials speak to DNP bribery inquiry

    Parks officials speak to DNP bribery inquiry

    Seventeen officials from the Department of National Parks (DNP) made statements to police yesterday in connection with the DNP bribery inquiry into former department chief Rutchada Suriyakul Na Ayutya. Rutchada was arrested at his office in Chatuchak district on December 27 on suspicion of demanding or taking bribes from subordinates and malfeasance. His arrest came when Chaiwat Limlikit-aksorn, former head…

  • Thailand NewsNational Park officials condemned for allowing sailboat to destroy Krabi reef

    National Park officials condemned for allowing sailboat to destroy Krabi reef

    Thai netizens condemned National Park officials for failing to do their job after seeing images of a tourist sailboat destroying a coral reef in the southern province of Krabi. Yesterday, January 3, the environmental activist Facebook page Monsoon Garbage Thailand posted photos of a white sailboat docking over the coral reef near Yawasam Island. The page explained that the island…

  • Environment NewsVarawut takes National Parks corruption flack

    Varawut takes National Parks corruption flack

    Natural Resources and Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said yesterday that he would ensure justice is done in the national parks corruption investigation that has threatened to consume his department. Varawut apologised and accepted responsibility for the alleged corruption committed by Rutchada Suriyakul Na Ayutya, saying the investigating committee would speak to all directors and related personnel, without any interference from…

  • Environment NewsThailand’s rescued tiger cubs fattening up, but not for the pot

    Thailand’s rescued tiger cubs fattening up, but not for the pot

    Thailand’s rescued tiger cubs are fattening up nicely in Udon Ratchathani, but these guys have already been saved from the pot. Laos’ wildlife authorities are finally assisting Thailand’s search for 30 tiger cubs trafficked across the border to be fattened up and fed to sexually-challenged Chinese customers in underground Bangkok eateries. Chaiwat Limlikitaksorn, director of the Ubon Ratchathani’s National Parks,…

  • Bangkok NewsBangkok nabs 60,000 snakes a year, 1 reported every 15 minutes

    Bangkok nabs 60,000 snakes a year, 1 reported every 15 minutes

    Bangkok is well known for its hundreds of temples and thousands of… snakes. Emergency hotline employees reported that they capture and remove around 60,000 snakes per year in the capital city. Calls come in for help with snake removal at an average rate of about one every 15 minutes throughout the day. The 199 hotline handles calls regarding snakes in…

  • Environment NewsVIDEO: Rare footage reveals family of tigers feeding on prey in Thailand

    VIDEO: Rare footage reveals family of tigers feeding on prey in Thailand

    Rare footage of a family of wild tigers feeding on prey in Isaan’s Dong Phayayen – Khao Yai Forest Complex has been captured by Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. With only 250 wild tigers estimated to be left in Thailand, the chances of capturing footage of tigers are next to none. The short clip shows a…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s authorities launch donation campaign to feed rescued animals

    Thailand’s authorities launch donation campaign to feed rescued animals

    Thailand’s wildlife department has launched a campaign called “Foster Parents” for people to donate money to feed rescued wild animals. This news comes as the department is having a tough time feeding thousands of wild animals on a tight budget. While the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation used to receive 80 million baht each year to care…

  • Thailand NewsPolice doubt the story as 5th suspect in tigers case is arrested

    Police doubt the story as 5th suspect in tigers case is arrested

    After the shocking discovering of a camp in Kanchanaburi’s Thong Pha Phum National Park barbequing tiger meat while drying the pelts of 2 slain tigers, police have now taken into custody the fifth and final suspect in the investigation. The man was arrested last night and denies taking any part in the killing, skinning, or cooking of the tigers, which are…

  • Thailand NewsNew star-shaped flower found at national park in southern Thailand’s Ranong

    New star-shaped flower found at national park in southern Thailand’s Ranong

    A new flower was reportedly discovered at a national park in the southern province of Ranong. The white star-shaped flower with six to seven points was named the “Cute Star Flower,” or “Dara Pilas” in Thai. The flower was found at the Ngao Waterfall National Park. Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation announced on its Facebook page…

  • Thailand NewsUnemployed Bangkok chef arrested after allegedly trying to sell rare butterflies to undercover agents

    Unemployed Bangkok chef arrested after allegedly trying to sell rare butterflies to undercover agents

    An out of work Thai chef was arrested for allegedly trying to sell 8 preserved butterflies, all of which are rare species, to undercover officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation at a shopping centre in Bangkok. The unidentified 29 year old unemployed chef, who previously worked at a Japanese restaurant in a Sukhumvit hotel, allegedly…