National parks in Thailand (Thai: อุทยานแห่งชาติ) are defined as areas that contain "natural resources of ecological importance or unique beauty, or flora and fauna of special importance".
The first marine park was Khao Sam Roi Yot, established in 1966.
[3] Controversies about Thailand's national parks include complaints over excessive development and allotment of private concessions.
Ko Samet, and other island-based national parks, are particularly impacted by the activities of private concessions, often in the form of excessive bungalow developments.
Many of the northern parks are greatly impacted by illegal swidden farming and poaching.