[1][2] In 1981, the Royal Forest Department declared the archipelago of Ko Samet, along with nine other small islands, the headland of Khao Laem Ya, and the 11 kilometre Mae Rampeung Beach to be a national park, and thus these areas are under the jurisdiction of the national parks department.

[4]: 46  Mammals include Crab-eating macaque, Lesser mouse-deer and Flying foxes are also found here.

[4]: 46  Other birds in the park include Blue-winged pitta, Zebra dove, Coppersmith barbet and Asian barred owlet.

Investigations found that 200,000 baht per month was paid to park officials as kickbacks.

The Department of National Parks (DNP) found that all businesses on Ko Samet "valued at over 100 million baht per month" were operated by "mafia groups", some linked to police officers.