BANGKOK, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- The Thai government has agreed to cut entrance fees to all national parks throughout Thailand in an attempt to improve tourism in the Asian country.
In the wake of numerous complaints about the fees from international tourists, the entrance dues have been cut in half at the country's most popular parks by the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, The Bangkok Post said Saturday.
Those popular tourist sites include the Mu Koh Tarutao and Mu Koh Lanta National parks, along with the Mu Koh Chang and Mu Koh Angthong parks.
Several of Thailand's less popular national parks also will have their entrance fees reduced by 75 percent to try to lure in additional tourists, the department said.
Department chief Chalermsak Wanichsomba told the Post that while foreigners will enjoy discounted rates, Thai tourists will see an increase in entrance fees at the more popular sites.
Chalermsak said those increased fees will allow the department to pay the sizable cost of the parks' maintenance.
