Thale Ban National Park

Thale Ban Overview

Thale Ban National Park, locally known as “อุทยานแห่งชาติทะเลบัน,” is a lush and serene protected area located in the southern province of Satun, Thailand, near the Malaysian border. Spanning approximately 38 square miles (98 square kilometers), this park is a haven of biodiversity and captivating landscapes.

Its name, “Thale Ban,” translates to “Sea of the Dam” in Thai, reflecting the park’s centerpiece, a tranquil, swamp-like lake formed by a geological subsidence over 200 years ago. Surrounded by the towering Sankalakhiri mountain range, the park’s diverse topography includes limestone hills, caves, waterfalls, and verdant lowland forests.

The terrain at Thale Ban National Park is dominated by tropical rainforest and mixed deciduous forests, creating a lush environment teeming with life. The Sankalakhiri mountain range, a critical feature, provides stunning vistas and habitats for a variety of flora and fauna. Cascading waterfalls such as Yong Waterfall enhance the park’s natural charm, while limestone caves and rock formations add to its geological interest.

The dense forest is interspersed with swamps and small streams, contributing to the park’s ecological diversity. Vegetation includes towering hardwood trees, palms, and a variety of epiphytes, including orchids and ferns, which thrive in the humid climate.

The park is renowned for its wildlife. Mammals such as dusky leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, Malayan sun bears, and Asian small-clawed otters roam its forested areas. It is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting over 200 species of birds. Iconic avian inhabitants include the great hornbill, Oriental pied hornbill, and chestnut-breasted malkoha. Rare and endemic species such as the Malaysian blue flycatcher can also be spotted. Amphibians and reptiles, including frogs, lizards, and snakes, are present, contributing to the park’s rich biodiversity.

Visitors to Thale Ban National Park can enjoy a variety of activities. The Thale Ban Swamp is perfect for birdwatching and offers serene boat rides. Hiking trails meander through the forest and up the hills, offering opportunities to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems and scenic views. Yong Waterfall is a popular spot for picnicking and cooling off in its refreshing waters. For those interested in cultural experiences, the park’s proximity to local villages allows visitors to engage with the traditions of the Satun region.

Conservation is a key focus at Thale Ban National Park. Efforts are ongoing to protect its unique ecosystems from threats such as illegal logging and wildlife poaching. Education and ecotourism initiatives have been instrumental in raising awareness and generating funds for conservation. The park’s management has seen significant success in preserving biodiversity and fostering sustainable tourism, making it a model for protected area management in Thailand.

Park Map

Thale Ban National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Thale Ban National Park, located in southern Thailand near the Malaysian border, is a stunning natural haven featuring dense rainforests, serene lakes, and diverse wildlife. Its lush environment supports a wide variety of animal species that make it a remarkable destination for wildlife enthusiasts.

Dusky Leaf Monkey (Trachypithecus obscurus)
This primate is known for its gray fur, white eye patches, and playful demeanor. It thrives in the park’s dense forest canopies, where it feeds on leaves, fruits, and flowers.

Indochinese Leopard (Panthera pardus delacouri)
A rare and elusive predator, this leopard roams the forested areas of the park. Its spotted coat provides excellent camouflage as it hunts for deer, monkeys, and smaller mammals.

Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus)
The Malayan tapir, with its distinctive black and white coloring, is a gentle herbivore found in the park’s lowland forests. It feeds on leaves, twigs, and fruits.

Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)
These majestic creatures can occasionally be seen traversing the park’s forests and open areas. They play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem by spreading seeds and clearing vegetation.

Clouded Leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)
This secretive and nocturnal big cat is known for its beautifully patterned coat. It resides in the dense rainforests, where it preys on small to medium-sized animals.

Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica)
An expert in pest control, the pangolin feeds primarily on ants and termites. Its armor-like scales provide protection from predators.

Marbled Cat (Pardofelis marmorata)
Resembling a miniature clouded leopard, the marbled cat is an arboreal hunter that moves gracefully among the treetops in search of birds, squirrels, and reptiles.

Smooth-coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata)
Found near Thale Ban Lake, these otters are known for their playful nature and teamwork while hunting for fish and crustaceans.

King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)
This venomous snake, one of the longest in the world, inhabits the park’s forests and wetlands. Despite its fearsome reputation, it avoids humans when possible.

Binturong (Arctictis binturong)
Also known as the bearcat, this arboreal mammal has a shaggy coat and a prehensile tail. It is most active at night, feeding on fruits, small animals, and eggs.

Birds

Thale Ban National Park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, hosting a remarkable array of avian species that thrive in its diverse habitats, from wetlands to forested areas.

Rufous-bellied Eagle (Lophotriorchis kienerii)
This bird of prey soars high above the park’s forests, scanning the ground for small mammals and reptiles.

Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis)
A large and striking bird, the great hornbill is known for its colorful casque and loud calls. It primarily feeds on fruits and occasionally small animals.

Black-and-red Broadbill (Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos)
This vibrantly colored bird is often seen near the park’s wetlands, where it builds its nests and feeds on insects and small aquatic creatures.

Asian Fairy-bluebird (Irena puella)
With its shimmering blue plumage, this bird is a dazzling sight in the park’s forests. It feeds on fruits and nectar.

White-crowned Hornbill (Berenicornis comatus)
This rare and elegant hornbill can be spotted in the park’s dense rainforests. Its diet consists of fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.

Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris)
A smaller but equally charismatic hornbill species, it is often seen in pairs or small groups, feeding on fruits and insects.

Chestnut-headed Bee-eater (Merops leschenaulti)
This colorful bird can be spotted in open areas of the park, catching insects in mid-air with precision.

Scarlet Minivet (Pericrocotus speciosus)
These striking birds, with their bright scarlet and black plumage, move in flocks through the treetops, feeding on insects.

Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela)
A medium-sized eagle that perches high in the trees, scanning the ground for snakes and lizards to prey on.

Blue-winged Pitta (Pitta moluccensis)
A ground-dwelling bird with vibrant colors, the blue-winged pitta forages in the leaf litter for insects and worms, adding to the park’s biodiversity.