Chiang mai: The Office of Protected Area Management Region 16, through Doi Inthanon National Park, has initiated legal proceedings against a group of approximately 10 tourists. These individuals reportedly ignored warning signs and barriers, straying off the designated Ang Ka nature trail to the Khao Tok Rue Si area on September 13, 2026, to take photos. This action resulted in significant damage to a fragile and protected species of vegetation. Park officials have collected photographic and CCTV evidence to support the prosecution.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jiranit Choengsaad, head of Doi Inthanon National Park, emphasized the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation's commitment to ecosystem protection. The actions of the tourists represent a clear violation of the National Parks Act B.E. 2562 (2019). The park has been diligent in gathering evidence to submit to the authorities, aiming to set a precedent for preserving Thailand's natural heritage.
During a field inspection, officials discovered numerous trampled areas within the habitat of Thailand's largest moss. This rare plant thrives only in cloud forests with stable humidity at altitudes above 2,000 meters. The moss is extremely delicate, with a slow growth rate; any disturbance could take years to recover or may even prove fatal to the plant.
Legal proceedings are being pursued under charges of violating park orders and engaging in prohibited activities outside designated areas, as per the National Park Act B.E. 2562 (2019). In light of this incident, the park plans to increase patrols, reinforce barriers, and improve warning signs to prevent future occurrences.
Doi Inthanon National Park urges all visitors to adhere strictly to park rules and guidelines, including staying on designated trails, avoiding damage to vegetation, and respecting areas marked with entry prohibitions. Such cooperation is vital for the sustainable preservation of natural resources.
Known as 'rice-grain sponge,' the affected moss is a crucial component of the cloud forest ecosystem on Doi Inthanon. This moss, referred to as Sphagnum, serves as an indicator of the biodiversity and richness of high-altitude forests. These ecosystems require high humidity and cold temperatures, thriving only at elevations above 2,000 meters.
The unique properties of this moss, including its sponge-like ability to retain water and its vulnerability to environmental changes, highlight the importance of protecting it. Human trampling and climate change pose significant threats to its survival, emphasizing the need for responsible tourism practices to safeguard this natural heritage.