Forests and forestry

Forest encroachers caught clearing land or burning trees, in any of Thailand’s national parks or gardens, in order to occupy the land, will soon face jail terms of up to 20 years and/or a fine of as much as two million baht under the new ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 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 ...

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 ...