Environment and natural resources
Forests and forestry
Thailand-Laos forest planting activity held
Thung Chang district in Nan province of Thailand has held an ASEAN forest planting activity as part of the campaign promoting security and strength in villages along Thailand-Laos border, enhancing both countries’ relations.Keep reading ...
Locals make a living in harmony with forest
Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has hailed a forest conservation project called Rak Pa Nan (Save Nan’s forest) for its concept of locals and nature living harmoniously together. Advocates say the project has helped bring state agencies and villagers together to sustain efforts ...
Wassayos Ngamkham
Forest chiefs set to assess fire damage
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is going to survey forest areas damaged by fires, in particular Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary in Chiang Mai province where conservationists have expressed concerns over changes in the ecological system caused by the blazes. Keep reading ...
Apinya Wipatayotin
Northern fires killing off wildlife, protected plants
Beyond the harm done to human health by the North’s smouldering blanket of forest fires, concern has arisen for wildlife and rare plants on the slopes of Doi Luang Chiang Dao in Chiang Mai. The mountain is protected as the only locale in Thailand where “sub-alpine ...
Sakaorat Sirima
Forest and wildlife bills passed despite protests
The National Legislative Assembly yesterday passed two amendments to the forestry and wildlife bills, which for the first time will allow forest dwellers and communities with overlapping claims to continue living “lawfully” in the forest – under some conditions.The National Parks Act and the Wildlife ...
The Nation Reporter
SPECIAL REPORT: EU-driven timber certification raises hopes for sustain forest management and forest dwellers' benefits.
With Potentially high benefits at stake, Thailand is moving toward allowing the harvesting of some tree species, which is currently banned unless special permission is obtained.Supporters say a legal amendment could help raise incomes and lead to sustainable livelihoods for forest dwellers, while also stimulating ...
Piyaporn Wongruang
Forest Act to be amended to encourage felling and growing of rare trees
Landowners will be able to cut down up to 171 “reserved” and “rare” timber species growing on their properties without having to seek permission from the authorities, once an amendment to the Forest Act is published in the Royal Gazette in the next two months.Keep ...
The Nation Reporter
Community Forest Bill passes NLA
The long-awaited Forest Community Bill has finally been approved by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), putting an end to campaigns by environmentalists and villagers – dating back almost three decades – to have more say in the designation of green areas.Keep reading ...
Bangkok Post Reporter
SPECIAL REPORT: New forest policy over conflicting claims needs widening public participation
Somsak Saelao’s community of Pang Kob is isolated, situated close to the top of the Khun Nan mountain, and follows the traditional way of life of the Hmong hilltribe.Pang Kob is in fact located deep in the Khun Nan National Park, surrounded by the lush ...
Piyaporn Wongruang
SPECIAL REPORT: Blood-hued Phayung almost gone as corrupt officials pave way for logging
BY KAENG E-KHIEW Waterfall in northeastern Buntrik-Yod Mon Wildlife Sanctuary a mature male elephant lay dead, with traces of a highly volatile bullet left in its mouth and its bud. Another AK47 bullet was found buried in its ribs.A check of camera traps installed one ...
Piyaporn Wongruang