Thailand established five new national parks across the country between 2016 and 2019. These new parks are part of a 20-year national strategic plan that aims to increase the kingdom's forest cover to 55% of the total country by 2037.

Thailand currently has 133 national parks. Khao Yai National Park was the country's first (established in 1962), while Tham Sa Koen National Park in Nan was the last, founded during the reign of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Under King Rama X (2016 to present), five new parks have already been opened.

Namtok Chet Sao Noi National Park

Namtok Chet Sao Noi National Park, opened in December 2016, is home to a picturesque waterfall with an intriguing history. The waterfall's name originates from a local legend about seven women who drowned there long ago. Another legend claims the waterfall came from a village called Ban Sao Noi, which was later renamed Chet Sao Noi. The park covers an area of ​​40.89 square kilometers and encompasses the districts of Muak Lek and Wang Muang in Saraburi Province, as well as the district of Pak Chong in Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

Khun Satan National Park

The Khun Satan National Park, opened in March 2017, covers an area of ​​404.52 square kilometers in the Na Noi and Na Muen districts of Nan province. The Doi Phrae Mueang mountain ridge forms the border between the Phrae and Nan provinces, while Doi Ku Sathan rises 1,630 meters above sea level.

Mae Takhrai National Park

Established in December 2017, Mae Takhrai National Park covers an area of ​​356.66 square kilometers in the districts of San Kamphaeng, Doi Saket, and Mae On in Chiang Mai Province, and in the districts of Ban Thi and Mueang in Lamphun Province. The park is the source of the Ping River's major tributaries and offers scenic views of waterfalls, cliffs, and hot springs.

Than Sadet-Ko Phangan National Park

Established in November 2018, the Than Sadet-Ko Phangan National Park is located on Ko Phangan, an island 100 kilometers off the coast of Surat Thani, and covers an area of ​​44.99 square kilometers. The park has preserved the island's pristine natural environment with its rugged and steep mountain landscape. The highest peak is Khao Ra at 627 meters.

Doi Chong National Park

Established in April 2019, Doi Chong National Park covers an area of ​​346.18 square kilometers in the districts of Sop Prap, Thoen, and Mae Phrik in Lampang Province, and in the districts of Li and Thung Hua Chang in Lamphun Province. The park features mountainous landscapes and various deciduous forests. Its highest point, Doi Jong, reaches 1,379 meters above sea level.

With these five new parks, Thailand has expanded its national park system by a total of 331,952 rai (53,120 hectares) of forest area. This brings the total forest area of ​​Thailand to over 102,488 rai, which corresponds to 31.68% of the country's land area.

A further 22 national parks are under construction, including 11 land and 11 marine national parks, which together cover 44 million rai or 13% of the country's total area.