KRABI -- An official of the Hat Noppharat Thara - Phi Phi Islands National Park has been charged with fraud after being caught reselling used entry tickets to visitors.
Theerayut Boonlert, chief of the park's security office on Koh Poda island, said he filed a complaint with Ao Nang police in Muang district after a tour boat operator said the official had sold used tickets to four foreign tourists for 400 baht each. He did not name the official.
Pol Lt Songpol Boonchai, an investigator at Ao Nang, said an official had been arrested and charged with fraud causing damage to the state.
The official had confessed to the offence, he said.
Teerasak Khanantai, kamnan of tambon Ao Nang, said the practice of recycling tickets for sale to tourists had long existed and been carried out by a group of officials.
He had informed authorities about the practice but the park had denied it occurred. He instead had been accused of making false accusations against park officials.
The arrest of the park official was a proof of his allegation, Mr Teerasak said.