Forest

  • Thailand NewsLost and found: American’s wild Thai tale ends without a scratch

    Lost and found: American’s wild Thai tale ends without a scratch

    An American pensioner met with an unexpected adventure in northern Thailand but thanks to the swift action of Mae Hong Son’s Tourist Police, rescue volunteers, and local villagers, he made it out unscathed. The 68 year old man from the United States, was saved from the depths of the Doi Thong forest near Ya Po village, and he couldn’t be…

  • Crime NewsDecomposing body found in Udon Thani forest prompts investigation

    Decomposing body found in Udon Thani forest prompts investigation

    A decomposing body of a woman was discovered in a forest opposite the Department of Forestry in Sri That, Udon Thani, sparking an investigation to determine the cause of death and locate her relatives. Police believe she died approximately five days ago. Yesterday, December 25, Police Lieutenant Colonel Chinphan Sungkaew, Deputy Superintendent of the Sri That Police Station, disclosed that…

  • Thailand NewsPolice crack down on illegal forest farming in Lampang

    Police crack down on illegal forest farming in Lampang

    Thai police launched CIB Crush Influence, an operation targeting investors exploiting forest lands, but the main suspects managed to escape. However, they discovered a couple illegally farming corn in the forests of Mae Mo, Lampang province, and have taken legal action against them. The operation was ordered by Jiraphop Bhuridej, head of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), and involved police…

  • Thailand NewsUNESCO Thai heritage site threatened by reservoir projects: Probe

    UNESCO Thai heritage site threatened by reservoir projects: Probe

    Environmentalists are urging a House committee to investigate two reservoir construction projects that they fear may threaten the Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai Forest Complex in Nakhon Ratchasima, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Klong Madue reservoir project in Nakhon Nayok and another near the forest complex have raised concerns among conservationists. Suthee Rattanamongkol, leading the Khao Yai Forest Conservation Network,…

  • Thailand NewsMystery surrounds woman’s body found in Hua Na forest

    Mystery surrounds woman’s body found in Hua Na forest

    A shocking discovery was made when a young man, stopping by the roadside, found the body of a woman in a forest, 12 days after she had mysteriously disappeared. Her parents are questioning the circumstances of her death and have called for a thorough investigation. Police received a report from the 191 Radio Centre about a deceased woman found in…

  • Thailand NewsThai forest department eases land use rules for state agencies

    Thai forest department eases land use rules for state agencies

    The Royal Forest Department (RFD) plans to streamline its regulations to simplify land use for state agencies, as announced by RFD Director-General, Surachai Achalaboon. This initiative aligns with the new policy set by Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on. Surachai highlighted that the department will amend existing laws to be more flexible, facilitating local authorities in obtaining forest use…

  • Thailand NewsThailand to resolve forest land disputes by 2026, says minister

    Thailand to resolve forest land disputes by 2026, says minister

    The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) aims to resolve disputes over 75,000 square metres of forest land by 2026, as announced during its 22nd anniversary celebration. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Chalermchai Sri-on addressed the ongoing conflicts between the DNP, other government agencies, and residents regarding the forest boundaries. He emphasised the need to find solutions…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s park department concerns over forest conservation bills

    Thailand’s park department concerns over forest conservation bills

    Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) raised serious concerns over two proposed bills aimed at protecting indigenous people’s land rights. The department argues these bills could significantly undermine forest conservation efforts across the country. DNP Chief Attapol Charoenshunsa stated that, if passed, the bills put forward by the civil rights group P-Move and the Ministry of…

  • Thailand NewsLost lottery tickets found in Thai forest spark social media frenzy (video)

    Lost lottery tickets found in Thai forest spark social media frenzy (video)

    Two lottery tickets were found in the forest with the name and phone number of their owner written on the back, leading to a social media frenzy. The discovery was made by a TikTok user who was foraging for mushrooms with a friend. TikTok user @udomporn41 posted a video showing the lottery tickets, numbered 498471, for the August 1 draw.…

  • Thailand NewsThai cops make waves with underwater raid on illegal timber stash

    Thai cops make waves with underwater raid on illegal timber stash

    Police in Kanchanaburi, West Thailand, conducted a significant raid on an illegal timber storage site, seizing a large quantity of protected wood both on land and underwater. Individuals have until July 15 to present ownership documents or face legal action. Director of Forest Fire Prevention, Suppression, and Control Narupon Thipmonda ordered the Director of the Forest Protection and Suppression Unit,…

  • Thailand NewsPark officials nab suspects for illegal forest clearing to plant durians

    Park officials nab suspects for illegal forest clearing to plant durians

    Park officials apprehended two suspects for illegally clearing forest land to plant durian trees on an area spanning 3 rai. Hearing the sound of forest clearing, officials moved in, capturing one individual while the other fled, later convincing him to surrender. Officials from the Phetchaburi branch of the Protected Areas Regional Office 3 received a report from Kittisak Somsri, head…

  • Thailand NewsThailand govt to review Thap Lan National Park boundary

    Thailand govt to review Thap Lan National Park boundary

    Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Patcharawat Wongsuwan addressed public concerns over the proposed boundary adjustments to Thap Lan National Park in Prachin Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima. Public opinion will be considered before final decisions are made by this Friday, July 12. The issue currently undergoing public consultation has drawn mixed reactions, with some citizens voicing…

  • Thailand NewsL’Oréal commits to 100% recycled packaging by 2025

    L’Oréal commits to 100% recycled packaging by 2025

    L’Oréal Group, with its vision L’Oréal for the future, has committed to sustainable business practices aiming for significant positive impacts on society and the environment by 2030. L’Oréal’s ongoing strategies include using recycled plastic packaging, renewable energy systems, and water conservation efforts. Additionally, the company has not tested products on animals since 1989, pioneering alternative testing methods to truly create…

  • Thailand NewsPM pledges commitment to forest conservation on 4-province tour

    PM pledges commitment to forest conservation on 4-province tour

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday visited Ratchaburi where he pledged his commitment to forest conservation in Thailand during his four-province tour. The 62 year old Thai prime minister urged relevant agencies to meticulously review public requests for the utilisation of forested areas. PM Srettha emphasised the significance of land rights in improving the living conditions of the populace. However, he…

  • Thailand NewsHuman remains found in Thai eucalyptus forest sparks investigation

    Human remains found in Thai eucalyptus forest sparks investigation

    A search party recently uncovered a human head and a watch, followed by scattered human remains in a Thai eucalyptus forest in Chon Buri Province, Thailand, leading to a shocking discovery. The remains are believed to belong to a 36 year old man, Lamotu, who had been missing for ten days. The grim find was made around 11am today, by…

  • GuidesDeforestation in Thailand: challenges and solutions for forest conservation

    Deforestation in Thailand: challenges and solutions for forest conservation

    Thailand is currently facing a significant environmental challenge that has garnered widespread concern, particularly among conservationists: deforestation. This issue is more severe in Thailand than in many other Southeast Asian countries, primarily due to the rapid clearance of forests to accommodate agricultural expansion necessitated by population growth and the country’s focus on exporting agricultural products. Furthermore, the logging industry and…

  • HealthForest bathing in Thailand

    Forest bathing in Thailand

    Nestled within Southeast Asia, Thailand emerges as a tranquil sanctuary for those seeking to immerse themselves in the essence of nature through forest bathing. This practice, which hails from Japan, has seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of Thailand’s verdant landscapes. The northern region of Thailand, characterised by its vast tropical rainforests and extended dry periods, stands out as an…

  • Thailand NewsGlobal forests in crisis: Shocking decline revealed

    Global forests in crisis: Shocking decline revealed

    In a staggering revelation, the world’s forests have undergone a drastic reduction of nearly 20 million square kilometres over the past 30 years, plunging from 42.03 million square kilometres in 1992 to 40.44 million square kilometres in 2021, as per the latest data from the World Bank. Attributing this alarming loss to the relentless encroachment of agriculture and industrialisation, the…

  • Thailand NewsTak province battles spreading wildfires across nine districts

    Tak province battles spreading wildfires across nine districts

    Wildfires in the province of Tak have intensified, expanding across nine districts and prompting coordinated emergency responses to combat the flames and prevent hazardous smog, including the dangerous PM2.5 particles. The province’s governor Somchai Kitcharoenrungroj has mobilised all units for swift action to contain the wildfires within a limited area to minimize damage and reduce smoke haze. Since January 1,…

  • Thailand NewsNew agricultural land reform policy to implement buffer zones

    New agricultural land reform policy to implement buffer zones

    Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thamanat Prompow is set to propose a new agricultural land reform policy tomorrow. The policy seeks to establish a buffer zone between forest reserves and agricultural land, with the explicit specification that this zone will not be allocated to individual farmers. This comes in the wake of an ongoing dispute between the Agricultural Land Reform Office…

  • Thailand NewsALRO refutes claims of issuing illicit land titles

    ALRO refutes claims of issuing illicit land titles

    The Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) of Nakhon Ratchasima refuted claims of issuing Sor Por Kor land titles within the boundaries of Khao Yai National Park. The office is investigating allegations of its officials’ involvement in the illicit act. In the recent past, about 2,933 rai of land positioned in tambon Moosi of Pak Chong district, within the perimeters of…

  • Phuket NewsAlleged encroachment in Bang Khanun protected forest sparks controversy

    Alleged encroachment in Bang Khanun protected forest sparks controversy

    The Gulf of Thailand Coastal Area Conservation Network – Andaman (branch) raised concerns over alleged encroachment in the Bang Khanun protected forest reserve, calling for an investigation. Led by the chairman, Chamroon Kerddam, the group complained to the Phuket branch of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), implicating government officials in facilitating unlawful activities in the protected area. The complaint, submitted…

  • Phuket NewsSouthern Thailand: Illegal waste dumping threatens Ratsada’s mangrove forests

    Southern Thailand: Illegal waste dumping threatens Ratsada’s mangrove forests

    Garbage dumping within the mangrove forests near the Soi King Kaew community in southern Thailand is causing concerns and disrupting the harmony of the ecosystem. Local authorities have started investigations led by Ratsada’s Mayor, Nakarin Yosaengrat who has pointed out a potential culprit and initiated legal action. Mayor Nakarin, along with an entourage of officials from the Ratsada Municipality executive…

  • Phuket NewsForest faux pas: Illegal loggers caught in the act as DSI turns the spotlight on hidden tree mischief in Thailand

    Forest faux pas: Illegal loggers caught in the act as DSI turns the spotlight on hidden tree mischief in Thailand

    An unsanctioned logging operation, hidden deep within Thailand’s Bang Khanun protected forest, was inadvertently exposed during a routine inspection by officers from the Department of Special Investigation (DSI). Conducted in conjunction with the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and forest protection officials, the group stumbled upon the illegal exploitation yesterday. Vice Admiral Suchart Thammapitakwet, the commander of the RTN’s Third Area…

  • Chiang Mai NewsHermit’s forest meditation takes an eternal detour in remote Thailand

    Hermit’s forest meditation takes an eternal detour in remote Thailand

    A 58 year old hermit was found dead during meditation in a deep forest in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. The rescue team had to walk to the scene due to the inaccessibility of vehicles. The body was later transported by motorcycle from the mountain today. Jiraphan Suinwai, head of the Naprat Chiang Mai Rescue, stated that on Sunday, October 1, they…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket’s forest-working group takes root: Mapping a path for protected land issues

    Phuket’s forest-working group takes root: Mapping a path for protected land issues

    Phuket’s inaugural meeting of a newly established working group, tasked with resolving issues concerning residents residing in or near the Bang Khanun Protected National Forest, resolved to develop a database to record all land parcels owned or occupied within the forest area. The decision also included creating a map of the occupied areas within the forest. The resolution was made…

  • Thailand NewsIllegal Thai resort dismantled for violating National Forest Act

    Illegal Thai resort dismantled for violating National Forest Act

    Phetchabun witnessed a significant operation yesterday as over a hundred officials systematically dismantled parts of a resort found to be unlawfully constructed on national forest grounds within the Khao Kho district. The collaborative force, comprising soldiers, local administrative officials, and police officers, effectively removed five bungalows that formed part of the Khaokho Freeday resort. The decision to dismantle came following…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s environment ministry orders removal of illegal resorts in Phu Thap Boek

    Thailand’s environment ministry orders removal of illegal resorts in Phu Thap Boek

    A mandate for the deconstruction of three illegal resorts in the favoured hillside tourist destination, Phu Thap Boek, has been decreed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The said resorts, located in the Phetchabun province, were brought to the notice of the authorities due to tourist complaints about obtrusive constructions blocking views. On Wednesday, the Minister of Environment,…

  • Thailand NewsFrenchman lost in Thailand forest has been found

    Frenchman lost in Thailand forest has been found

    UPDATE The missing Frenchman lost in the forest around Khao Eto Mountain in Prachin Buri province in central Thailand was found this morning. The search party scoured the forests all night for Sierra Gamache – who NationTV reports as 73 years old and not 70 years old as reported by DailyNews – after he got lost on his way down the…

  • Phuket NewsPhuket rescuers bring French tourists lost in forest to safety

    Phuket rescuers bring French tourists lost in forest to safety

    Phuket rescuers brought two French tourists lost in a forest to safety between last night and this morning. The tourists, a man identified only as Victor, and his girlfriend, had arrived in Phuket earlier yesterday and decided to go for a walk on a local beach. The couple followed a trail up the Nai Thon mountain but found themselves lost and…