A remarkable, but not unexpected, pattern has been observed by naturalists worldwide. The sudden drop in the numbers of tourists in the parks around the world caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the number of wildlife sightings.
In India, people have posted videos of huge rhinos walking down the streets of towns that border national parks. And in Thailand, the town of Lopburi has been overrun by thousands of macaques that have been emboldened by the lack of people walking the streets.
Take Advantage of the Opportunity
But for nature-lovers in Thailand, the phenomenon has created a rare opportunity. Thailand is home to many vast national parks all over the country that host some of the most exotic and rare wildlife. With the lack of human and vehicle traffic in the parks during the pandemic, there have been many corresponding sightings of the rarest species.
For Bangkok residents, three of the largest parks, Kaeng Krachan, Khao Yai and Thap Lan National Park, are within a two-hour drive of the city. Kaeng Krachan National Park, in particular, is well-known for the variety of wildlife within its boundaries. Leopards and clouded leopards, elephants, bears, gaurs, golden jackals, crab-eating mongooses, tapirs, and the occasional tiger can be found within the park.
Healthy Family Trip
Visiting the national parks makes for an educational, fun and healthy weekend away from the city for the family. Not all of the park’s campsites are open at present, so you should contact the park directly to find out the accommodations situation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
But for families that are getting tired of staring at the same four walls, it’s a chance to get out in the sunshine and fresh air to explore beautiful, tropical scenery and maybe get a glimpse of the rarest animals in the country. Just be sure to bring a camera along.