Thailand Increases Marine Park Tax

Posted on August 19th, 2006.

From next month, the Marine Park Fees levied on liveaboard boats entering the Similan Islands and other Thailand Marine Parks will be increased

Envirosea has the full story, but basically from September 15th there will be a 400 Baht ($US 10) increase to Marine Park fees per visitor. I'm not entirely clear if that's a flat charge that's being imposed regardless of how many days the visitor stays in the park - it seems to be the case.

This brings the Marine Park tax cost of a four day liveaboard to the Similan Islands to 1400 Baht, 1600 Baht if you visit the Surin Islands as well, which many liveaboards will start doing in this next 2006-2007 season.

Personally I don't mind about the increase in fees, because Thailand's marine parks are all in desperate need of more investment and more protection - the only worry, as ever, is what happens to the money once it's been paid to the government.

Other Divehappy posts of interest:

• Thailand Marine Park Tax Postponed
• Marine Park Status Is No Protection For Reefs
• Surin Islands, Thailand
• Thailand’s Tarutao Marine Park Victim Of Poaching and Coastal Reefs
• Cuttlefish Mating At Palong Bay, Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

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