The state-run Designated Area for Sustainable Tourism Administration (Dasta)
plans to relinquish its authority over developments on the popular
resort islands of Koh Samet and Koh Chang after being ordered to hand
over the management of Chiang Mai Night Safari to a new firm.
Acting Dasta director Tunya Harnpol
said yesterday that the change would follow the same pattern of the
night safari.
The cabinet decided on Tuesday to
remove the night safari from under the jurisdiction of Dasta, a public
organisation set up in 2003 under then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra
to manage the safari park and other tourism areas.
Under the change, which will be
completed in a year, a new company owned by the state will be formed to
run the night safari for better flexibility and effectiveness, Mr Tunya
said.
The change should cut the park's
expenses and the savings would eventually help the park reduce its
entrance fees, benefiting the public, he said. The park generates a
monthly income of some 67 million baht but still posts huge expenses.
Dasta's relinquishing of control
over tourism developments will expand to Koh Samet in Rayong and Koh
Chang in Trat, he added.
