Thale Ban National Park
Thale Ban National Park is at Ban Wang Prachan,
Tambon Wang Prachan. The National Park is located 40 kms. from town
and occupies an area of 195,200 square kilometers. The Park covers
the National Reserve Forest of Ku Pang Pu To and Hua Ka Ming, including
Khuan Bo Nam Pu Yu in Tambon Pu Yu, Amphoe Mueang. It was declared
a national park on October 27, 1980.
The word “Thale Ban” derives from “Loet
Ru Ban” in the Malay language, meaning a collapsed sea or a sea
that was born out of a land collapse. Thale Ban National Park originated
from a land depression between Khao Chin and Khao Mot Daeng. There
is a large swamp, which covers an area of 101,360 square kilometers.
Most of the area is mountainous and teeming with various kinds of
plants and animals, such as water birds, tapir, and Khiat Wak, or
Water Dog. The amphibious Khiat Wak resembles a frog or toad, but
has a tail and yelps like a dog. Plenty of these creatures can be
seen around the swamp in the rainy season. The Khiat Wak is an indigenous
animal to Thale Ban. Bird-watchers should not miss a chance to see
the different variety of birds here, including red back myna, woodpecker,
bulbul, and swallow. Lodges and tents are available in the National
Park. For more information, contact tel: 0-7479-7073.
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