Investigation into Similan National Park Chief over Veera's Stay

Khaosod•Society•20d ago

Reader Briefing

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is investigating the head of Similan Islands National Park for allegedly allowing Veera Theeraphatranon and a group to stay overnight during a prohibited period.

•Director General Atthapol Charoenshunsa ordered a fact-finding committee to investigate the head of Similan Islands National Park.
•Veera Theeraphatranon, an extraordinary committee member for the 2027 budget bill, criticized the park's accommodations as 'very vile' during a session on August 5, 2026.
•The overnight stay occurred approximately 4 years ago, despite a ban on overnight stays effective since October 4, 2018.
•The overnight stay ban aims to solve waste and wastewater problems and restore natural resources.

Overview

•On August 5, 2026, Veera Theeraphatranon discussed his personal experience staying at Similan Islands National Park approximately 4 years ago.
•Veera Theeraphatranon described the service and accommodation quality at Similan Islands National Park as "very vile," citing issues with lights, bedding, water, and internet.
•Veera Theeraphatranon suggested the use of Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for management.
•On August 6, 2026, Director General Atthapol Charoenshunsa of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation ordered the appointment of a committee to investigate the head of Similan Islands National Park.
•The investigation seeks to determine if the head of Similan Islands National Park violated regulations by allowing Veera Theeraphatranon and his group to stay overnight.
•Similan Islands National Park has had a ban on overnight stays since the announcement on October 4, 2018, which was published in the Royal Gazette on October 8, 2018.
•The closure of overnight stays is intended to address environmental issues and facilitate sustainable marine ecosystem restoration, limiting visitors to one-day trips.
•Atthapol Charoenshunsa stated that the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is open to beneficial suggestions provided they follow government regulations and legal frameworks.

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Key Quotes

Veera Theeraphatranon

"very vile"

เลวทรามมาก

Key Entities

Organization

Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation(กรมอุทยานแห่งชาติ สัตว์ป่าและพันธุ์พืช)ℹ️

The government agency that ordered the investigation into the head of Similan Islands National Park.

Place

Similan Islands National Park(อช.สิมิลัน)

The national park where an unauthorized overnight stay allegedly occurred.

Person

Veera Theeraphatranon(วีระ ธีระภัทรานนท์)

An extraordinary committee member considering the Budget Expenditure Act for the budget year 2027 who criticized the park's accommodations.

Atthapol Charoenshunsa(อรรถพล เจริญชันษา)

The Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

Policy

Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Announcement on the Closure of Overnight Stays at Similan Islands National Park dated October 4, 2018(ประกาศกรมอุทยานแห่งชาติ สัตว์ป่า และพันธุ์พืช เรื่อง ปิดการพักแรมอุทยานแห่งชาติหมู่เกาะสิมิลัน ลงวันที่ 4 ตุลาคม พ.ศ. 2561)

The regulation banning overnight stays at Similan Islands National Park to protect the environment.

Law

Budget Expenditure Act for the Budget Year 2027(พระราชบัญญัติงบประมาณรายจ่ายประจำปีงบประมาณ พ.ศ. 2570)

The draft act being considered by the extraordinary committee including Veera Theeraphatranon.