Krabi tour operators seek bribe probe

Krabi Tourism Association has urged the relevant authorities to investigate allegations concerning cases allegedly involving park officials collecting bribes from tour companies, as this issue, which has been circulated widely on social media, could harm the province's tourism sector.

- MOLPASORN SHOOWONG

The controversy came to light among netizens after Siranudh Bhirombhakdi, a former advisor to the director of the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, quit his post and publicly criticised certain officials who he alleged had failed to fulfill their responsibilities, pointing out bureaucratic loopholes, such as allowing contracted staff to carry out risky jobs at sea without providing insurance.

It also speculated that the pressure against him derived from disputes with tour companies and foreign tourists who misbehaved or breached the park's rules during their visit.

Among the events appearing on his social media account, foreign tourists were reportedly drinking alcohol and smoking weed on a boat within the national park's boundaries, which is against the law.