The minister of environmental protection has ordered the indefinite closure of the Phu Langka National Park and the Naka Cave (or Naga Cave) which has discovered recently and has rock formations like giant snake scales. It has been disfigured by visitors looking for lucky lottery numbers.

On Wednesday (Sept 9), the Minister Varawut Silpa-archa has made the announcement on the closure of the park and the cave which are located at Bueng Khong Long District of Bueng Kan Province in Thailand.

He said that tourists have destroyed the rock formations by rubbing on the surface, hoping to find lucky lottery numbers. Others have carved rude graffiti into the rock.

The Naka Cave will remain close until officials announce effective measures to protect the important geological resources of the country. The minister condemned vandalism and said that people with such bad habits will not be allowed to visit.

The minister has said that he will discuss with relevant officials to find the best way to eliminate unnecessary inscriptions and prevent tourists from touching or rubbing the rock formations in the park.

The Naka Cave is a new attraction that was discovered near Tham Chai Mongkol Temple this year. It has rock formations similar to the giant snake known as “naga” in mythology. According to officials from the Phu Langka National Park, the “snake scales” are sun-cracked rocks and are about 100,000 years old.

The sharp temperature difference between day and night causes the rock to expand and contract and then crack. The water eroded the edges of the cracks, making the rocks look like a snake scales.

Mr. Varawut apologized to those who plan to visit tourist spots in the Northeast and have booked accommodation as well. He said that he had to order the site to be shut down immediately. Otherwise, allowing a grace period also means giving spoilers time to cause more damage to the cave and the park.