Till recently, Thailand has had four national parks which are also AHPs, all designated as ASEAN Heritage Parks in the previous years. They are Khao Yai National Park (also a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Tarutao National Park, Mu Ko Surin-Mu Ko Similan-Ao Phang-nga National Parks Complex, and Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex.
This time, Hat Chao Mai National Park and Mu Ko Libong Non-hunting Area located in the Andaman Sea; and Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, in the Gulf of Thailand, became the 45th and 46th ASEAN Heritage Parks respectively.
In 2002, the Hat Chao Mai National Park-Mu Ko Libong Non-hunting Area was announced an International Ramsar Site. The area includes limestone forests, beach forests and mangrove forests and serves as the last remaining habitat of the Dugong (Dugong dugon), one of the 15 preserved species in Thailand with its population declining or nearly extinct.
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is an archipelago of 42 limestone islands with steep cliffs. It boasts great biodiversity, both inland and marine, beautiful scenery, sandy beaches and transparent sea waters what makes the park a popular tourist destination.
Two NPs in Thailand Designated as ASEAN Heritage Parks
News in Asia
During the recent 15th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment, two of Thailand’s national parks have received the status of ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs). Thus the total number of the ASEAN Heritage Parks located in Thailand reached six.