Minister of Tourism and Sports Joins Cabinet in a Visit to Sirinat National Park in Phuket Province to Return Turtles to the Ocean and Plant Fish Poison Trees to Boost Tourism as Part of Phuket Sandbox

          On 1 July 2021 at 3.30 pm, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Napintorn Srisunpang, Vice Minister for Tourism and Sports, Mr. Khemmapol Auitayakul, Secretary to the Minister of Tourism and Sports, and Mr. Chote Trachu, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Tourism and Sports, joined the Cabinet entourage led by General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of Thailand and Minister of Defence to visit Sirinat National Park in Thalang District, Phuket Province, to inspect the readiness of the natural tourist attraction in order to prepare to welcome tourists in line with the plan to allow foreign tourists to enter the country without quarantine in the Phuket Sandbox project. The group was welcomed by officials from the national park.

          On this occasion, the Minister of Tourism and Sports joined the Cabinet to plant fish poison trees which is a common plant in beachside areas, cultivated for decorative and shade purposes and often grown in large areas on along the beach. The minister also joined the Cabinet members to release 9 green sea turtles back to nature. Then, the entourage greeted and had a conversation with officials at Sirinat National Park to give them encouragement for carrying out their duties. The Minister of Tourism and Sports revealed that the prime minister urged officials at Sirinat National Park to facilitate tourists and the general public who will visit the area, maintain cleanliness for the area to stay waste-free, and provide knowledge to tourists and fishermen. Moreover, they should ensure that locals engage in the effort to preserve natural resources and the environment to promote sustainable tourism.