The Khao Banthat Wildlife Sanctuary announced the temporary closure of five nature study trails starting 10 June to review safety measures following a tourist's death due to getting lost, coinciding with the start of the rainy season.
On 10 June 2026, Mr. Thanasun Chantrachot, an experienced forestry officer serving as head of the Khao Banthat Wildlife Sanctuary covering Phatthalung, Trang, Satun, and Songkhla provinces, issued an announcement temporarily closing all nature study trails within the sanctuary across these provinces, effective from 10 June 2026 onward.
The announcement stated that on 17 November 2025, the Khao Banthat Wildlife Sanctuary had opened five nature study trails within the sanctuary: 1. Khao Chet Yot Nature Trail, 2. Khao Lon–Lan Hin Ai Un Nature Trail, 3. Khao Lon Nom Sao Nature Trail, 4. Khao Lak Nature Trail, and 5. Ban Tra Nature Trail, allowing visitors from 1 December 2025 onward.
However, in early June, a tourist accident occurred on the Khao Chet Yot nature trail where the visitor got lost and died. Additionally, the forest area has entered the rainy season, with persistent heavy rain causing strong currents in streams and natural waterways. The transportation routes and forest trails accessing these nature study areas have become difficult to navigate and use, increasing the risk of accidents and endangering both tourists and staff working in the area.
After consideration, the Khao Banthat Wildlife Sanctuary decided to review, improve, and establish safety measures for eco-tourism in cooperation with tour guides and related operators. It also aims to allow natural resources, ecosystems, and wildlife habitats to recover and reduce impacts on wildlife life cycles and reproduction. Under the authority of Section 53 of the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019) and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation regulations concerning permission to act within wildlife sanctuaries and hunting prohibition zones B.E. 2565 (2022), the sanctuary hereby temporarily closes all nature study trails until further notice, effective from 10 June 2026.
