Thais exempt from entrance fees at all national parks during New Year

BANGKOK, December 28 (TNA) - The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, waives entrance fees at all national parks across the country for Thai people during New Year holidays. The department's director-general, Thanya Netithammakun, on Wednesday endorsed the announcement on the entrance fees exemption for Thai people and their vehicles, from December 31, 2016 to January 3, 2017. The decision is to be a New Year gift for Thai people who are encouraged to spend their New Year holidays at all 148 national parks across the country. Besides, the move is also aimed to raise public awareness on environment conservation. Meanwhile, local police have prepared to provide public safety services during the ongoing New Year Festival. Royal Thai Police Spokesman Police Genera Dejnarong Suthicharnbancha led police and soldiers on a boat patrol to inspect major piers in Bangkok to ensure safety for commuters during New Year holidays. The spokesman, who is also Acting Deputy National Police Chief, told reporters that National Police Chief Police General Chakthip Chaijinda has ordered the deployment of over 150,000 police officers to provide public security throughout the country. In Bangkok, the police will work with the Marine Department to monitor 29 piers on both Phra Nakhon and Thonburi sides along the Chao Phraya River with particular close watch on 11 busy piers. It is expected that about 100,000 people will attend Bangkok’s main New Year activities at Sanam Luang ceremonial ground to chant cross-year prayers and a number of police will be deployed to facilitate the public and provide security at the event. Following the passing of late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, a large number of Thai people are expected to attend mass countdown prayers at temples and public venues across the country to welcome the New Year 2017 and to pay tribute to the late and beloved Thai monarch. (TNA)