Meanwhile, civic voices expressed skepticism about RFD's tourism-related activities. This news item did not say what agency financed this destruction. At Khao Sok in Surat Thani province, Khao Yai in Nakhon Ratchasima province and Kaeng Kracharn in Phetchaburi province, trees have been felled for use as construction materials. On top of a small hill in Kaeng Kracharn alone, as many as six new bungalows are springing up. New souvenir shops and large car parks are spoiling the abundant nature of Doi Suthep-Pui and Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai.
Construction also includes security units, toilet grounds and camping grounds.
Associated increases in costs will deter the poorer members of Thai society from visiting Khao Yai. No attention is being paid to how these ever increasing numbers of tourists will damage Thailand's precious natural areas. Mr. Chamberlin may not be properly informed about Thailand's environmental legislation. Whether there has been minor or major construction in the parks is not the point here. In fact, ANY felling of trees or landscape alteration in parks constitutes a violation of the national park law and can be prosecuted.