The Khao Yai National Park chief will be moved to allow for a fact-finding inquiry after video showing scantily dressed "coyote" girls dancing to music inside the park went viral online.
The performance was part of an anniversary celebration for the Chao Phor Khao Yai shrine.
Damras Phorprasit, director of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s National Park Office, said on Friday that he received information from a "well-intentioned person" on Thursday that a show featuring coyote dancers had been held inside the Khao Yai National Park.
He then ordered officials to investigate and it was confirmed the show took place there.
Mr Damras said he discussed the matter with National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department director-general Thanya Netithamkul on Friday morning.
He quoted Mr Thanya as saying an investigation would be launched. A show such as that inside the park was inappropriate.
Khao Yai National Park chief Adisak Phusitwongsanuyut would be transferred to allow for a fact-finding inquiry, Mr Damras said.
According to media reports, the show was held on Wednesday as part of a ceremony celebrating the anniversary of the Chao Phor Khao Yai shrine.
There were sporting events and other activities inside the national park that day. Normally, a show featuring folk music by the park band would mark the annual event.
However, this year the national park hired a show agent at a cost of 50,000 baht who arranged music and coyote dancing, along with a Chinese-style buffet worth 20,000 baht with senior national park officials sharing the cost.
Those attending were told not to post photos of these activities on social media.
However, a video clip and photos of the dancing were posted on Facebook by Rangsrit Kanjanavanit. Netizens' comments were very critical of the show and the organisers.
The Khao Yai National Park chief on Friday apologised to his superiors and the public for the dancing show inside the park.
On his Facebook, he wrote, “I would like to offer an apology to my superiors and all people over news regarding the holding of New Year celebrations at Khao Yai National Park that cast the organisation in a negative light. I admit my mistake over what happened."
Other park officials and friends posted encouraging comments after seeing his Facebook message.
