Bangkok: The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has reiterated its policy of not allowing overnight stays on the Similan Islands, a practice that has been in place for over eight years. This comes in response to criticism from a member of the ad hoc committee reviewing the 2027 budget bill, who described the accommodations as "extremely poor."

According to Thai News Agency, the department released a statement to address concerns raised by Mr. Veera Teerapatranon, who recounted his experience camping in a national park roughly four years ago. He criticized the accommodations and highlighted issues with utilities such as electricity, running water, and internet access. In light of these issues, he suggested exploring private sector involvement in managing national park areas.

The department clarified that overnight stays on the Similan Islands were halted in 2018 to facilitate the restoration of natural resources and mitigate environmental impacts. The islands are now designated for one-day visits to manage waste, wastewater, and tourist impact on the ecosystem, ensuring sustainable marine resource restoration.

The Hu Yong guesthouse on Koh Miang, initially open to tourists since 2008, is now repurposed for staff housing to support fieldwork, as the original facilities were inadequate. The guesthouse is not open to the public.

The department acknowledged the challenges of providing electricity, water, and communication signals in island and protected forest areas. It emphasized the use of clean energy systems like solar cells and enforced time limits on electricity to ensure safety, reduce consumption, and minimize disturbances to wildlife.

Regarding the potential for private sector involvement through public-private partnerships (PPP), the department stated it would evaluate the feasibility within the framework of the National Parks Act B.E. 2562 (2019) and related laws. Any operations must align with conservation goals and not exceed the ecosystem's carrying capacity.

Sasin Chalermlap, former chairman of the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation, supported the department's stance, noting that the one-day trip model effectively addresses issues of overcrowding and environmental impact. He also urged for verification of claims regarding stays on the islands, emphasizing the importance of accurate information about permits and visit timing.