TRAVEL TITBITS
KARNJANA KARNJANATAWE
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment plans to grant 30-year concessions to private companies to manage accommodations, restaurants and shops in 10 popular national parks.
It will be a pilot project to improve service at national parks, according to Vichit Pattanakosai, deputy chief of the National Park, Plant and Wildlife Conservation Department. He is also chairman of a working group on tourism and investment in national parks.
The 10 parks indentified for concession are; Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima, Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi, Kaeng Krachan National Park in Phetchaburi, Phu Kradung National Park in Loei, Mo Ko Similan National Marine Park, Mo Ko Surin National Marine Park and four parks in Chiang Mai - Doi Inthanon, Pha Hom Pok, Huai Nam Dang and Doi Suthep-Pui.
The concessions will be based on efficient development plans and management of natural resources, with an eye on sustainable tourism and generation of income for local people.
The concession plan will be submitted for approval this week.
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| Accommodation in popular national parks may be passed on private concessionaires. |
Meanwhile, the department last week announced new 17 national parks. That means the total is now 148 nationwide. The new parks are:
- Doi Wiangpha in Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai
- Mae Wang in Chiang Mai
- Doi Jong in Lampang-Lamphun
- Phathai Cave in Lampang
- Khun Nan in Nan
- Nanthaburi in Nan
- Doi Phu Nang in Phayao
- Saken Cave in Nan-Phayao
- Pla Cave-Pha Suea Waterfall in Mae Hong Son
- Khun Phra Wor in Tak
- Thong Phaphum in Kanchanaburi
- Lam Klong Ngu in Kanchanaburi
- Khao Sibha Chan in Chanthaburi
- Phu Phalek in Sakon Nakhon
- Klong Kaew in Trat
- Khao Nan in Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Hat Khanom-Mo Ko Talay Tai in Nakhon Si Thammarat-Surat Thani.
Oral travel aid
Lonely Planet has launched Audio Phrasebooks for iPhone and iPod touch users that are available in 10 languages including Thai.
The Phrasebooks will help travellers practise local languages while travelling or use their iPhones or iPods as translation tools.
Each Audio Phrasebook application includes over 600 spoken phrases phonetically written, covering topics ranging from health to going out to help travellers enjoy their travel destinations.
"It's obvious that travellers are increasingly using technology to enhance their journeys. With your iPhone or iPod and a little help from Lonely Planet, you'll be conversing like a local," said Chris Boden, Lonely Planet's director for global business development.
The Phasebooks are available for English speakers with translations in Mandarin, Cantonese, Czech, Thai, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Lonely Planet plans to add applications for French and Mandarin speakers in the next few months.
The Phrasebooks are available for US$9.99 at Apples' App Store on iPhone and at http://www.itunes.com/appstore.
Bio-fuel flight test
Air New Zealand will make its first bio-fuel test flight next month flying from Auckland to San Franciso.
The flight will be powered by fuel extracted from the jatropha plant.
By conducting such tests "we will be able to demonstrate how many millions of tonnes of fuel and carbon emissions can be saved by airlines globally if they are permitted to utilise concepts and technologies in flight efficiency in all phases of commercial flight," said Capt David Morgan, the airline's general manager for operations.
For the test, it will use a Boeing 777, renamed Aspire I, that will depart Auckland on September 12. The test is a cooperation between Air New Zealand, the Federal Aviation Administration and Airservices Australia.
Book details canal-side life
The traditional way of Thai living along canals has been captured in to a book titled Klongs - Thai Waterways and Reflections of Her People.
Written by Pamela Hamburger, the book will be introduced to the public on September 4 during 2-4pm at Siam City Hotel's Rattankosin Room.
The book contains photographs and interviews with canal residents. The author plans to donate proceeds from the book's sale to boats operated by the Thai Red Cross which routinely provide care for masses living along rivers and canals.
For more information, visit the web site http://www.bangkokbooks.com.
If you have any comments or news to share, mail them to karnjanak@bangkokpost.co.th.
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