Thap Lan National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติทับลาน) is located in Prachinburi Province, Thailand.[1] Established as a national park on December 23, 1981, it was the country's 40th. Its attractions include: Lan Forest and Recreational Garden (ป่าลานและสวนพักผ่อนหย่อนใจ), Namtok Thap Lan (or Namtok Heo Nok Kok) (น้ำตกทับลานหรือน้ำตกเหวนกกก), Thap Lan Reservoir (อ่างเก็บน้ำทับลาน), Namtok Huai Yai (น้ำตกห้วยใหญ่), Lam Mun Bon Dam (เขื่อนลำมูลบน), Hat Chom Tawan (หาดชมตะวัน). The superintendent is Taywin Meesap.
Contents |
With an area of 2,236 square kilometres (863 sq mi), it is Thailand's second largest national park.[2] Thap Lan's headquarters are in Bu Phram, Na Di, Prachinburi Province. The park is situated within multiple provinces. Its areas include Tambon Bu Phram, Amphoe Na Di, Prachin Buri; Amphoe Pak Thong Chai, Wang Nam Khiao, Khon Buri, and Soeng Sang of Nakhon Ratchasima; and Amphoe Pakham of Buri Ram. The Dong Phaya Yen Mountains are within the park. The highest peak is Khao Lamang at 992 metres (3,255 ft) above sea level.[2] Terrain includes mountain ranges, valleys, chasms and waterfalls.
Flora includes palm forests. Mammals that thrive within the park are boar, clouded leopards, deer, elephants, and spotted linsang. Avifauna include lapwings, laughing thrushes, and myna. According to researchers, the park may have more tigers than China.[3]
Queen Sirikit's Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex includes Thap Lan and five other related areas, Khao Yai National Park, Pangsida National Park, Ta Phraya National Park, Phraphutthachai National Park, and Dongyai Wildlife Sanctuary.[4] While elephant hunting is common in the Dangrek Range, they are better protected within Thap Lan.[5]