Thailand’s Doi Inthanon National Park has filed a police complaint against a group of about 10 tourists accused of crossing barriers and trampling rare moss while taking photographs.
The incident occurred on September 13 along the Ang Ka nature trail in Chiang Mai. Park officials said the visitors ignored warning signs and barriers and entered a restricted area where “khao tok reusi”, a rare type of sphagnum moss, grows.
Officials discovered multiple areas showing signs of damage after receiving a report from another visitor. The park has collected photographs and CCTV footage as evidence and submitted a complaint to Chom Thong police.
The moss is considered highly fragile and grows slowly in pristine, humid cloud-forest conditions at elevations above 2,000 metres. Park officials said areas damaged by trampling could take years to recover, while some patches may not survive.
Authorities said the visitors could face action under Thailand’s National Park Act of 2019 for disobeying officials’ instructions and conducting recreational activities outside designated areas.
Doi Inthanon National Park said it would increase patrols around sensitive areas and strengthen barriers and warning signs to prevent further damage.
The park has urged visitors to remain on designated trails, avoid stepping on vegetation and respect all warning signs and restricted areas.
