The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has updated its regulations to permit alcohol consumption in specific areas for select groups, contingent upon obtaining a permit from the park’s chief, as stated by the department’s leadership.
Attapol Charoenchansa noted that the DNP has held a series of public hearings regarding amendments to its national park regulations, including discussions on allowing alcohol consumption in designated zones.
Currently, the department enforces a ban on alcohol to prevent disruptions to other visitors, especially those camping nearby.
“The public hearing process has now concluded, and we will proceed to submit the proposed amendments for final approval. We anticipate that the new regulation will be enacted within two months following its publication in the Royal Gazette. This regulation will be applicable nationwide across all national parks,” he explained.
Mr. Attapol mentioned that the current regulations permit the creation of clubhouses for recreational activities. These clubhouses will serve as specific areas where alcohol consumption is allowed, but only with the chief’s authorization.
Crucially, permits will be issued for groups rather than individual requests, he emphasized.
He clarified that alcohol consumption will continue to be prohibited outside of the designated and authorized zones.
“This policy is designed to ensure that alcohol consumption does not disturb other visitors,” he remarked.
