Since the introduction of an e-ticketing system in July 2022, Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has reportedly collected an average of THB 1 million (USD 29,120) in fees from tourists entering the islands every day, with a total of THB 137 million generated in revenue.
The chief of Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi-Phi National Park, Rakchanok Paenoi, said that the islands receive around 4,000 visitors daily, and e-ticket sales have increased by 20-30 percent since last year, with the number of visitors in April having tripled from the same period in 2021. Most visitors come from Europe and Russia, and Rakchanok anticipates more visitors from neighboring countries during the upcoming Songkran Festival.
However, there are some problems with the e-ticketing system. Park officials are unable to check e-tickets for some visitors due to poor phone reception, which needs to be addressed. Tourists may also encounter issues when using their e-tickets to travel to other islands such as Ko Phai or Phi-Phi Don.
Atthaphon Charoenchansa, head of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation, said that they would try to promote e-ticket usage to cover entry fees to all national parks within the next two years.
He also highlighted that the closure of parks during the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly improved the environment and ecological system of several islands, such as Maya Bay, where black-tipped coral sharks have returned.
The Phi Phi Islands consist of six islands situated between the large island of Phuket and the coast of the Straits of Malacca in Thailand.
