NACC Implements Anti-Corruption Measures in National Park Management
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) is driving the implementation of anti-corruption measures in the management of national parks. The aim is to build confidence among tourists while establishing measures to reduce corruption risks, thereby ensuring transparency in the park management process and directing revenue collected towards genuine park development.
Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, NACC Secretary-General and Spokesperson of the NACC, revealed that the NACC has been continuously pushing forward anti-corruption measures related to national park management. This effort follows the Cabinet's acknowledgment of the proposed anti-corruption measures in national park management, which the NACC presented to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the agency directly responsible. The recommendations aim to mitigate corruption risks in three key areas of national park management:
This includes the development of technology-based systems for collecting service fees and advance bookings for visitors entering national parks. Examples include the use of electronic service tickets (E-Tickets) and online advance booking systems. Additionally, the establishment of real-time reporting systems for monitoring the number of visitors entering and exiting national parks is emphasized.
The NACC recommends updating the 2017 regulations of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation regarding the management and disbursement of revenue for national park maintenance. It is suggested that the committee responsible for approving the disbursement of these funds include representatives from external agencies and experts from various fields. In cases of urgent disbursements, the NACC sees the need to clarify the discretion of the Director-General of the Department of National Parks under Article 13, Paragraph 2 of the 2017 regulations. Guidelines should be established to specify what types of urgent situations allow for such disbursements, along with budget limits and timelines for their use.
The NACC encourages the development of master plans for all national parks, incorporating input from various stakeholders such as local government agencies, the public, and private sectors. These plans should comprehensively cover key missions, set directions, goals, and strategies, and outline critical success factors. The plans will serve as a practical framework for effective and efficient park operations. Furthermore, transparent and standardized procedures should be established for appointing national park chiefs, ensuring alignment with good governance principles.
With the peak tourism season approaching, marked by the transition from the rainy to the cool season, national parks are expected to see a significant influx of visitors. To ensure transparency in service fee collection and that the revenue is genuinely allocated towards park development, the NACC will continue to monitor and encourage relevant agencies to implement these measures effectively. The ultimate goal is to safeguard and develop the nation’s natural resources for the public’s benefit.
