Khao Sok

Infobox protected_area
name = Khao Sok National Park
iucn_category = II

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caption =
locator_x =
locator_y =
location = Thailand
nearest_city = Surat Thani
lat_degrees = 8
lat_minutes = 56
lat_seconds = 12
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 98
long_minutes = 31
long_seconds = 49
long_direction = E
area = 739 km²
established = December 22, 1980
visitation_num =
visitation_year =
governing_body =

Khao Sok national park (Thai: เขาสก) is located in Surat Thani province in Thailand. Its land area is 739 km², and it includes the Chiao Lan reservoir dammed by the Ratchaprapha dam. The park comprises the largest area of virgin forest in Southern Thailand and is a remnant of rainforest which is older and more diverse than the Amazon Rainforest.

It is perhaps most famous for the Bua Phut ("Rafflesia kerrii") flower which grows within the park. In addition to its exotic flora, Khao Sok is inhabited by a wide variety of animals, including gibbons and barking deer.

The 94 m high Ratchaprapha dam was built in 1982 at the Khlong Saeng River , a tributary of the Phum Duang River.

Six tourists and two local guides were killed from flash flooding in one of the park's caves in 2007. [http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/10/14/thailand.cave.deaths.ap/index.html]

Further reading

*Thom Henley. "Waterfalls & Gibbon Calls - Exploring Khao Sok National Park". ISBN 974-92749-7-0

References

* [http://www.khaosok.com/ Khao Sok National Park webpage]
* [http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/asp/style1/default.asp?npid=200&lg=2 National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department]

External links

* [http://www.thaibirding.com/locations/south/ksok.htm thaibirding.com on Khao Sok National Park]
* [http://www.thailand-adventure.com Facts and photos on Khao Sok National Park]
* [http://www.paddleasia.com/galleries/khao-sok-wildlife.htm Photos of rare animals in Khao Sok National Park]
* [http://www.khaosok.dk Khao Sok National Park Tour Guide - Dansk / English / Deutsch Information - A lifetime experience is waiting]