Chainarong Pathan, a 44-year-old official at the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, was arrested late Sunday night for pocketing Bt1,600 gained from sales rather than registering the money government proceeds.

A local boat driver alerted police about Chainarong’s suspicious behaviour after he distributed admission tickets that were outdated.

Chainarong has reportedly admitted the crime.

Sarayut Tanthien, who heads the Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in Krabi province, said on Monday that Chainarong’s action caused damage to the state and he would face a harsh punishment.