Tourism
Khao Yai National Park Closes Temporarily Due to Heavy Rainfall
Thailand's Minister of Natural Resources and Environment has ordered national parks nationwide to assess safety risks, with Khao Yai National Park closing immediately due to severe weather.
On September 25, 2026, Suchart Chomklin, Thailand’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, issued a directive to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to prioritize visitor safety amid ongoing heavy rainfall across the country. The Minister has instructed park chiefs nationwide to evaluate local conditions and implement temporary closures or access restrictions where necessary.
Following this directive, Khao Yai National Park has officially closed all tourism and accommodation areas, including both entrance checkpoints, effective September 25, 2026. Chaiya Huayhongthong, head of Khao Yai National Park, stated that the closure was prompted by rising water levels at the Pong Ton Sai area, which have reached unprecedented heights.
For travelers and residents, this means all access to the park is currently suspended. Authorities have mandated that all national parks maintain 24-hour rescue readiness and provide timely updates to the public regarding weather-related risks. While Khao Yai is currently closed, visitors planning trips to other national parks should monitor official announcements closely, as individual park heads have been granted the authority to restrict access based on real-time risk assessments. It remains to be confirmed when Khao Yai will reopen, as officials continue to monitor the situation and the impact of the persistent rainfall.
