Police

Transport Ministry Orders State Railway and Bangkok Mass Transit to Expedite Investigation into Train-Bus Collision; Full Compensation for Victims

A freight train struck a Bangkok bus at a railway crossing, killing 8 people and injuring 32 others; the government has ordered a full investigation and promised compensation of up to 1.5 million baht for deceased victims.

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The Transport Ministry has instructed the State Railway of Thailand and Bangkok Mass Transit Authority to urgently investigate the circumstances of a freight train collision with BMTA Line 206 bus at the Makkasan railway crossing, which left 32 injured and 8 dead. Transport Minister Siripong Angskul Kitti stated that the Prime Minister has directed all agencies to provide maximum care for the injured, expedite victim identification, and rapidly return bodies to families. Medical teams and hospitals treating the injured have been ordered to provide full care to prevent further losses, while compensation efforts for affected families are to proceed with urgency and fairness.

Deputy Prime Minister Pipat Ratchakij and Transport Ministry officials have instructed relevant agencies to provide hospital assistance and comprehensive support for victims' families until the situation is fully resolved. A detailed investigation by the Transport Ministry, SRT, BMTA, and related agencies is underway to determine the cause and implement preventive safety measures. Deputy Transport Minister Anan Photnim and BMTA Director Kittikan Jom Duang Charuworpalkul visited the scene to oversee immediate response efforts in coordination with rescue teams, hospitals, and police.

Stranded passengers were safely transferred at Hua Lamphong Station. BMTA has coordinated with disaster relief agencies and police to compile complete victim information. Initial compensation frames have been established: 1,500,000 baht per deceased, initial assistance of 80,000 baht per injured person up to a maximum compensation of 500,000 baht. BMTA is urgently tracking victim identification and contacting families to expedite compensation payments. The Transport Ministry reaffirmed that public transport safety is paramount and announced plans to enhance and strengthen safety policies and monitoring to prevent similar tragedies.

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National

Deputy Government Spokesman Defends Government's Budget Spending on Executive Dinner, Dismisses Academic Critic

Deputy Government Spokesman Ploytaale Laksameesangjun defended spending on a May 15 executive dinner, saying it used Prime Minister's Office funds to provide practical training for hotel management students while promoting domestic agricult

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On May 17, 2025, Deputy Government Spokesman Ploytaale Laksameesangjun addressed criticism from Pichaya Rattandilek, a former dean and curriculum specialist in politics and development strategy at Phuket, who questioned the government's spending on a May 15 executive dinner given the country's need to borrow 400 billion baht, asking "How much budget was used for the evening event?" The spokesman clarified that the dinner budget came from the Prime Minister's Office operational funds, a support unit for the Prime Minister's governance operations, and emphasized that all spending is carefully considered for maximum benefit to the nation and people.

Ploytaale explained that the dinner for executives from 10 key industrial sectors provided an opportunity for hotel management students from Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University to demonstrate their skills and practical capabilities. Rather than luxurious catering, the government served Thai fusion cuisine using domestic ingredients to encourage Thai consumers to support local agricultural products and help Thai farmers. The government did not employ famous hotel catering services and avoided lavish spending as some feared, but instead created a direct learning experience to build student confidence and prepare them for quality job market entry, which serves as a foundation for strengthening the country's long-term competitive capability.

"The government manages budgets economically with careful consideration of benefits received. I ask Associate Professor Pichaya not to be concerned. If this dinner budget matter troubles you, please use your time to create meaningful contributions to society so you can dedicate efforts to benefit the nation and its people," Ploytaale concluded.

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Community

Lucky and Unlucky Days – Which Zodiac Signs Will See Unexpected Income Increases and Which Will Receive Help from Bosses and Elders

Astrologers forecast mixed fortunes across zodiac signs on May 18, 2026, with Aries gaining unexpected income and Sagittarius receiving support from bosses and elders, while Scorpio faces quarrels and reputation risks.

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Lucky and Unlucky Days Monday, May 18, 2026 Astrologer Buspon

Aries Today you will experience unexpected increases in regular income. Your associates will prove to be kindhearted and bring good social connections your way. Elderly companions may be lively but possessive. Friends will be reliable, and travel plans will gradually fall into place. Whatever your friends say can be trusted.

Taurus Today you will handle various tasks both as duties and in response to requests for help. You may spend entire days researching knowledge on subjects you already understand but which benefit both yourself and others. The friendships you've been nurturing will arrive complete and without shortcomings. New events happening now will bring you good fortune.

Gemini Today you will achieve your goals, even major ones you could handle alone. However, if you expect a convenience store or post office near your home, you might get a gambling den or gangster instead. Whatever numbers you dream of, you should pursue them for luck, as this period offers easy opportunities for fortune.

Cancer Today you have eloquent words, and those who listen will help you greatly, except for relatives and office seniors. If you can stop criticizing others, that would be good. Associates who work carelessly may bring danger to you. Do not argue with superiors or unnecessarily oppose them.

Leo Today you will receive quiet recognition, and after completing tasks, others will see your merit. You will have slight income increases from your own work. Your associates are agile and hold high authority. Travel may prove difficult. Do not travel to deserted places alone. Friends will bring you unusual items.

Virgo Today you will receive important fortune from relatives or ancestors, but do not let others know as it may cause jealousy or misunderstanding. Home matters that have been delayed should be completed quickly. Those with opposing views will obstruct your success and force you to restructure your work.

Libra Today you will win in arguments and competitions. Everything you do will proceed smoothly during this period. You will have relatively comfortable living conditions at home. Contact with elders should be careful and respectful in your words and actions, as they are fond of and supporting you.

Scorpio Today you may quarrel with others due to your carelessness. Promotion at work is still difficult. Reputation and credit are things you must carefully guard. Be cautious while walking to avoid accidents. There is risk of head and eye injuries. Medals or positions of honor may be damaged.

Sagittarius Today you may lack comfort as expected. Bosses, elders, or aunts and uncles will often come to help. Whatever work you complete, elders will notice or praise it. If you face any difficult or troubling matters, do not complain to anyone. You should manage the situation until it resolves naturally with time.

Capricorn Today you will receive abundant windfall fortune. Your body is strong and healthy. Nothing obstructs your major work except your own words. Friends without clear professions who come around and try to mediate negotiations will not be beneficial.

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Community

Khao Kheow Open Zoo Debuts Baby Greater Adjutant, New Star After 40-Year Extinction in Thai Nature

Khao Kheow Open Zoo successfully hatched a baby Greater Adjutant stork through artificial incubation, marking the first such breeding success in Thailand and offering hope for a species extinct from Thai nature for over 40 years.

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Khao Kheow Open Zoo has introduced a baby Greater Adjutant chick as the facility's newest star, sparking widespread viral interest on social media. The Greater Adjutant, one of the largest storks in the region and world, had been extinct from Thailand's natural environment for over 40 years. The chick was hatched in an incubator after staff conducted a "life-saving operation," removing the egg from the parents—the only breeding pair of Greater Adjutants remaining at the zoo—to ensure successful incubation.

Zoo officials emphasized the remarkable nature of this achievement, noting that the parent birds typically lay only one or two eggs annually with inconsistent hatching success, prompting staff to intervene with artificial incubation. This marks the first successful Greater Adjutant breeding via incubator in the history of Thailand's zoo organization. The egg weighed 124-125 grams—nearly three times heavier than a chicken egg—and took 34-35 days to hatch.

When fully grown, the Greater Adjutant will stand approximately 145-150 centimeters tall with a wingspan nearly 3 meters wide. The species typically has a lifespan of 35-40 years and features predominantly black, gray, and white plumage. The announcement has generated massive online engagement, with netizens flooding the comments section with jokes, name suggestions like "Khun Chang" (Big Brother), and playful observations about the chick's appearance.

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Regional

Anjisaa Claims Women's Singles Runner-Up Finish at ITF Tournament; New Zealand's Shepp Crowned Men's Champion in Nakhon Pathom

Thai player Anjisaa Chantha finished runner-up at an ITF W15 tennis tournament in Nakhon Pathom, losing to South Korea's Lee Kyeong-so, while New Zealand's Anton Shepp won the men's title.

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The professional tennis tournaments M15 and W15 ITF World Tennis Tours (3) with prize pools of $15,000 USD each concluded on May 17, 2025 at Kasetsart University's Kamphaeng Saen Campus in Nakhon Pathom. At the awards ceremony, Ukrit Manuchanthrat, director of the Kamphaeng Saen campus office, presided over the presentation, with ITF chief umpire Amorn Duangpinkom attending.

In the women's singles final, Thailand's 23-year-old Anjisaa Chantha, seeded 2nd and ranked 463rd globally, faced South Korea's 21-year-old Lee Kyeong-so, who won the first week's title. The two had previously met in the first week's tournament in Nakhon Pathom, where Lee defeated Anjisaa 2-1 in sets. This week, Anjisaa fell short again, losing 6-3, 6-3 in 1 hour 31 minutes, claiming the runner-up title and prize money of $1,470 USD (approximately 47,730 baht) plus 10 ranking points. Lee Kyeong-so claimed the women's singles championship with $2,352 USD (approximately 76,369 baht) and 15 ranking points, marking her 2nd professional ITF title, both won in Nakhon Pathom across both weeks after qualifying.

In the men's singles final, New Zealand's Anton Shepp, seeded 4th and ranked 577th globally, defeated Australia's Matthew Dellavedova, seeded 2nd and ranked 456th globally, 6-2, 6-1 in 65 minutes. Shepp claimed the men's singles championship with prize money of $2,160 USD (approximately 70,135 baht) and 15 ranking points, marking his 4th professional ITF title. Dellavedova received $1,272 USD (approximately 41,300 baht) and 8 ranking points as runner-up.

The next professional tennis tournament at Kasetsart University's Kamphaeng Saen Campus will run from July 6-26, 2025, spanning three consecutive weeks, organized by the International Tennis Federation in cooperation with the Thai Lawn Tennis Association under Royal Patronage and Kasetsart University.

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National

Pheu Thai Party Set to Submit Constitutional Amendment Draft Again, Urges Cabinet to Present Proposal Amid Concerns Over Senate's One-Third Blocking Power

Pheu Thai Party plans to submit its own constitutional amendment draft and urges the government to present a formal proposal, citing concerns that the Senate's one-third blocking power could obstruct charter reforms sought by 21.6 million v

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On May 17, 2025, Panida Mongkollswasdi, Samut Prakan MP and Pheu Thai Party spokesperson, discussed the Bhumjaithai and Move Forward parties' plans to push forward a constitutional amendment draft, calling it a positive development that respects the voice of the people. Although the government has not revived the previous draft, what remains unclear is the cabinet's own proposal, since the current draft was submitted as a Bhumjaithai Party initiative rather than reflecting government intentions.

"What we want to see is the government taking constitutional amendment seriously to pave the way for a new charter. Therefore, there should be a concrete cabinet draft. This is what we want to see, and we are somewhat disappointed with the Bhumjaithai Party's approach, which doesn't seem proportionate to the 21.6 million votes they received. However, given that the Bhumjaithai and Move Forward parties are preparing to submit their amendment draft to parliament, Pheu Thai will continue communicating through the shadow cabinet and will submit our own constitutional amendment draft again," Panida stated.

When asked about her views on Move Forward's model, which would have each province select members of the constitutional drafting assembly before parliament selects them again, Panida said the approaches are quite similar. The Pheu Thai Party believes the drafting body should come from public elections, though the Constitutional Court's ruling prohibits direct selection, so processes must be designed to maximize public participation in forming the drafting committee.

"If Move Forward's draft opens space or shares the principle that drafters come from public selection in some form, while respecting the Constitutional Court's ruling, we would agree," Panida said.

When asked about concerns regarding the constitutional amendment, Panida identified the Senate's one-third voting power in approving a new constitution as the most critical issue. Parties must build consensus on whether to retain the Senate's one-third blocking power, especially when 21.6 million voters have clearly indicated they want a new charter.

"This means the power to pass a constitution should rest with the people, not become a bottleneck where the Senate's one-third blocks the new charter's passage. This is what worries me, and I believe we should seek consensus so that Article 256 constitutional amendment efforts are not in vain," Panida concluded.

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Community

Buddhist Amulet World – Viewing Luang Pho Khluap Coins B.E. 2539 and Luang Pho Toh

Buddhist amulets and commemorative coins created by revered Thai monks are showcased, including rare B.E. 2539 coins blessed by Luang Pho Khluap of Uthai Thani to aid the underprivileged and historic pieces from other respected abbots.

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This article explores Buddhist amulets and sacred coins created by renowned monks across Thailand. Luang Pho Naen Posso, a legendary Kanchanaburi abbot, created popular 'Phra Somdej' powder amulets around B.E. 2510, reportedly mixing morning-fallen Pukul flowers and sacred powder combined by hand, available in two sizes emphasizing compassion and featuring Phra Somdej designs on three-tiered bases with the syllables "Na Ma Pa Ta" inscribed. Kruba Phat Phusitdhamma created commemorative coins in B.E. 2527 for his 60th birthday ordination ceremony at Wat Sri Don Muang in Chiang Mai, produced in gold (108 coins), silver (500 coins), and copper (5,000 coins), with his portrait on the obverse and Lanna script "Namo Buddhaya" on the reverse. Luang Pho Khluap Sangworthamma of Wat Nong Kradi in Uthai Thani had coins created in B.E. 2539 by the Uthai Thani Lions Club to benefit the underprivileged, featuring his half-length portrait in yellow robes and a four-directional Yantra with Khmer script on the reverse, blessed on September 8, B.E. 2539. Luang Pho Toh Kangkasuvanno, a revered master of powerful children's amulets at Wat Sam Ngam in Nakhon Pathom, created his first-edition coins in B.E. 2486, produced as ancient-style stamps featuring his portrait wearing shoulder-draped robes on the obverse and a Buddha image in elegant pose surrounded by five ancient characters on the reverse, found in rare copper and silver versions.

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Community

Sacred Amulets News – Luang Por Pai Loh Coin, 'Clearing the Old Forest' Edition B.E. 2486

Luang Por Pai Loh, a revered meditation master at Wat Kamphaeng in Bangkok, spent 59 monastic years studying scripture and esoteric practices before his death in B.E. 2482, leaving behind blessed amulets widely sought by devotees for their

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Luang Por Pai Loh Chanthasoro was a renowned meditation master at Wat Kamphaeng in Phrasicharoen District, Bangkok, celebrated in the Bangkhunthian area. He was born on a Tuesday in the sixth month of the Year of the Goat in B.E. 2403 into the Thonglueah family in Samut Prakan Province, growing up in an agricultural household. At age eight, he studied Thai and Khmer script under Luang Por That at Wat Singh. During his youth, he was brave and had many friends, but the neighborhood was rife with gang violence. Due to his reputation among local toughs, his worried parents asked him to ordain for one rainy season.

He was ordained at Wat Kamphaeng with Luang Por That as his preceptor. Receiving the monastic name Chanthasoro, he devoted himself to studying Buddhist scripture, memorizing chants with precision, and deepening his faith. After the first rainy season, he declined to disrobe and instead pursued advanced meditation and doctrinal studies. He learned esoteric practices including the 108-ingredient medicinal powder from Luang Por Phuang at Wat Kok and sacred cloth-making with Luang Por Dit at Wat Kamphaeng.

Despite his extensive knowledge, he remained humble and unpretentious, maintaining simple living and strict discipline with the monastic code. Though offered the title of Phra Kru, he refused, saying he preferred to teach himself rather than oversee other monks. Similarly, he reluctantly accepted administrative duties only because villagers insisted, as many brought their sons to ordain under him due to faith in his virtue and desire for his blessed amulets.

In B.E. 2478, his disciples commissioned a celebratory merit-making ceremony for his birthday and produced a medal-cast amulet in the shape of a spade. The spade symbolized an essential agricultural tool that farmers and gardeners depended upon. Beyond the popular spade medal, egg-shaped amulets were also cast in bronze and brass with intricate consecration rituals far more elaborate than stamped medals.

He possessed powerful spiritual concentration. Once, Phra Phutthaput Phayakorn, a senior disciple of Luang Pu Eiam at Wat Nang, was invited to oversee an amulet-casting ceremony. He sat in meditation at his dwelling without traveling to the temple, yet when the consecration began, those officiating saw his meditating form present at the ritual—an extraordinary occurrence that became widely discussed.

Luang Por Pai Loh regularly chanted the 'Seven Crystal Fortress Incantation,' reciting passages invoking the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha as refuges. He passed away peacefully in B.E. 2482 at age 79, having spent 59 rainy seasons in the robes. At his funeral, countless people gathered. A remarkable incident occurred when disciples lit firecrackers and sparklers, but they all extinguished suddenly because he disliked loud noise. After the ceremony ended, they relit them, and they burned with tremendous noise—a tale still recounted today.

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Regional

Border Traders Fear Third Clash, Say Two Rounds Already Devastated Them – No Sales, No Income, Vehicle Seized for Unpaid Installments

Border traders in Buriram's Ban Krud District fear a third armed conflict after two previous clashes devastated their businesses, forcing them to slash raw material purchases and leaving some with repossessed vehicles and mounting debt.

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Border area traders in Ban Krud District, Buriram Province are growing anxious as tensions escalate again along the Thai-Cambodian border, raising fears of a third armed conflict. Following two previous clashes, merchants have significantly reduced their purchases of raw materials—cutting investments nearly in half—due to uncertainty about whether fighting will erupt again and force them to evacuate, repeating the losses they suffered in the two previous clashes.

Nang Phaeng, 65, who operates a food stall, expressed her fears about a potential third round of conflict, which she desperately hopes will not happen. She revealed that the two previous clashes caused her immense hardship: beyond financial losses, she lost all income, couldn't afford her vehicle's installment payments and had it repossessed, and accumulated debt exceeding 100,000 baht from borrowing to purchase inventory. Although business has resumed, her daily sales have plummeted from 3,000-4,000 baht to just 1,000-2,000 baht, barely covering her debts. With tensions rising again, she has further reduced raw material purchases, fearing another outbreak of violence, and is pleading with the government to resolve the situation.

Ms. Laddaporn, a roasted chicken vendor, echoed similar concerns, saying she has reduced raw material purchases by nearly half due to uncertainty about whether fighting will resume. She suffered significant losses in both previous conflicts, and although she has resumed selling, her revenue has been cut in half compared to before. She hopes that if a third clash occurs, authorities will resolve it decisively without a fourth round, as border merchants and residents have already suffered enough.

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National

Live from the Temple – 'Ruamjai Ramnoemkaela Foundation' Holds Merit-Making Ceremony Dedicated to Princess Kalyaniwattana

A merit-making ceremony at a Bangkok temple honored Princess Kalyaniwattana on her 103rd birthday, with senior government officials and monks celebrating the founder of the Ruamjai Ramnoemkaela Foundation for Youth.

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On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. at Wat Rajabophit Sathit Maha Simaram in Bangkok's Phra Nakhon district, General Cholit Pukphasuk presided over a merit-making ceremony dedicated to Her Royal Highness Princess Kalyaniwattana, Princess of Nakhon Sawan, founder and honorary chair of the Ruamjai Ramnoemkaela Foundation for Youth under Royal Patronage, in recognition of her 103rd birthday on May 6, 2026.

The ceremony was attended by Somdet Phra Maha Veerawong (Suchin Akkachinohor), a member of the Supreme Patriarchate and assistant abbot of Wat Rajabophit, along with monks from the temple.

On this occasion, Arunsit Sampatrat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, was joined by senior ministry officials including Colonel Takul Thotham, the ministry's inspector general, and other department heads and civil servants from the Permanent Secretary's Office.

The Ministry of Interior and the Ruamjai Ramnoemkaela Foundation for Youth held this merit-making ceremony to honor and remember Princess Kalyaniwattana's contributions to the foundation and disadvantaged youth nationwide. The ceremony served as a demonstration of gratitude toward the nation, religion, and monarchy, and acknowledged the sacrifices of past generations who preserved Thailand's independence and stability.

The Ruamjai Ramnoemkaela Foundation for Youth, under Royal Patronage, represents people of all walks of life recognizing the importance of education and moral development for youth. Through this collective spirit, they express gratitude to the Thai monarchy and honor their ancestors who sacrificed for building national unity and sustainable development.

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Tourism

Diverse Attractions – Chan Ta Thale Waterfall in Chachoengsao: The Ultimate Travel and Relaxation Destination

Chan Ta Thale Waterfall in Chachoengsao features five scenic tiers set within a pristine forest sanctuary, with tier four offering the most dramatic views during rainy season when water volume peaks. The site supports diverse wildlife and f

2d ago Khaosod

Chan Ta Thale Waterfall is a large waterfall situated in the Khao Khiao-Khao Chomphu Wildlife Sanctuary in Bang Phra subdistrict, Si Racha district, Chachoengsao province. The waterfall is exceptionally beautiful, especially during the rainy season when water volume increases significantly. This area is a lush forest serving as the headwater source for Bang Phra Reservoir and represents Chachoengsao province's last remaining forest area that maintains its ecological integrity and biodiversity.

Chan Ta Thale Waterfall consists of five tiers spanning approximately one kilometer to the highest point, with each tier clearly marked: Tier 1 is Nen Ta Thale, Tier 2 is Hub Ta Thale, Tier 3 is Chan Ta Thale, Tier 4 is Si Hluan, and Tier 5 is a restricted forest headwater zone. The most spectacular is Tier 4, best visited during the rainy season (August-November) when water volume is high and the atmosphere is lush and cool.

Each waterfall tier features abundant rocky outcrops with diverse plant species including ferns, rattan, wild vegetables, bamboo varieties, mushrooms, and colorful fungi. The area is home to various wildlife such as hornbills, wild boar, squirrels, gibbons, woodpeckers, palm civets, flying lemurs, and multicolored butterflies, as well as a large freshwater crab species inhabiting the mountain waterfall.

The name "Chan Ta Thale" has no recorded origin, but local legend claims a young monk once fell from a cliff while visiting the waterfall. The waterfall was originally named "Chan Ta Nen" (Monk's Tier) but the name evolved into "Chan Ta Thale" over time.

This attraction has been developed into a premier tourism destination where families enjoy picnicking by the waterfall, swimming, and relaxing. Wildlife sanctuary officials provide maintenance and visitor assistance. A tent camping area is available at the base, along with shops and service facilities.

The waterfall is located approximately 15 kilometers from Sukhumvit Highway or 20 kilometers from Si Racha, accessible via Highway 3144 towards Wat Khao Mai Daeng. After reaching the parking area, visitors must walk an additional 700 meters. Songthaew taxis are available from Bang Phra Market.

Those interested in organizing youth conservation camps should contact the Khao Khiao Wildlife Development and Conservation Station, P.O. Box 10, Bang Phra, Si Racha, Chachoengsao 20210, or call 06-4735-1024.

Open daily 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Admission: Thai adults 30 baht, Thai children 20 baht, foreign adults 200 baht, foreign children 100 baht. Vehicle fees: cars 60 baht, motorcycles 30 baht, vehicles 6 wheels and up 100 baht, vehicles 10 wheels and up 200 baht. Tent camping: 30 baht per site per night. RV parking: non-towed 300 baht, towed 600 baht, tent-roof RV 200 baht per night. Cash payment only.

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