Khao Yai extends park closure indefinitely on September 27
Visits and overnight stays at Thailand’s Khao Yai National Park remain suspended after floods destroyed the Haew Narok Waterfall viewpoint bridge.
- Khao Yai National Park extended its closure indefinitely on September 27 after flash floods destroyed the bridge leading to the Haew Narok Waterfall.
- The bridge collapse was caused by powerful run-off from continuous heavy rain that had been falling for several days.
- The indefinite closure, which extends a previous temporary one, will allow officials to assess the damage and inspect the bridge's stability once conditions are safe.
- Park officials confirmed that no tourists were injured or stranded by the flooding and have urged the public to avoid the area.
Thailand’s Khao Yai National Park announced on Sunday (September 27, 2026) that its temporary closure to tourists and overnight stays would continue indefinitely after flash floods destroyed the bridge leading to the Haew Narok Waterfall viewpoint.
Khao Yai officials confirmed that no tourists were injured or stranded and that staff had secured the damaged area.
Khao Yai National Park chief Chaiya Huayhongthong said the extension followed an earlier temporary closure, which had been due to end on September 27 while officials monitored heavy rain.
Haew Narok bridge collapses after days of heavy rain
Floodwater brought down the entire bridge leading to the Haew Narok Waterfall viewpoint during the night of September 26, leaving the crossing unusable, according to the park.
Chaiya said a further report was received at 10.30am on September 27 from Khao Yai’s ranger unit 20, based at Haew Narok Waterfall. The report described powerful flows of accumulated run-off following continuous heavy rain since September 25.
Rainfall over several days had caused water levels in Khao Yai’s upper forest areas to rise rapidly, sending large volumes of water into the main waterways and towards Haew Narok, one of the park’s key visitor attractions, officials said.
Park officials described the Haew Narok area as naturally vulnerable to hazardous conditions during the rainy season. Rangers have established observation points and are monitoring water levels around the clock.
Haew Narok bridge inspection awaits safer conditions
Khao Yai National Park has instructed engineers and specialists to inspect the damaged bridge as soon as water levels recede and the site is safe to enter.
The extended closure will allow Khao Yai staff to assess the damage, examine structural stability and continue monitoring conditions. Findings from the inspection will inform plans to restore the bridge to the required structural and safety standards before reopening to visitors is considered.
Khao Yai urges travellers to avoid the park
Khao Yai National Park has asked tourists and members of the public to avoid travelling into the park during the closure and to rely on official park announcements and warnings for updates.
Staff have been stationed at Khao Yai’s entry and exit points to assist travellers, provide warnings and advise on alternative routes.
Further information is available from the Khao Yai National Park visitor centre.
