Imagine gazing out from a high vantage point, and as far as your eyes can see, there’s a lush green expanse stretching out for miles. This is Chachoengsao, a slice of paradise firmly nestled within Thailand’s vast Eastern Forest Complex. This complex, basking in ecological richness, sprawls over an immense area of more than 1.363 million rai, engulfing five provinces: Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Rayong, Chon Buri, and Sa Kaeo. It harbors two wildlife sanctuaries and three national parks, making it an invaluable environmental treasure.
This rich haven is the abode of over 600 wildlife species, including a thriving population of about 450 wild elephants. With an impressive annual growth rate of 8.2%, the elephant population here is among the fastest growing in the country. However, this burgeoning population of majestic giants has ignited significant challenges, as these elephants often wander beyond their protected sanctuaries. In their quest for food, they find themselves in local communities, leading to devastating crop damage and, tragically, human fatalities.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has reported 115 human deaths caused by wild elephants in the region from 2012 to 2023. Seeking a harmonious balance, the country has turned its attention to a royal initiative launched in October 2019 under the auspices of His Majesty King Rama X, named Patcharasutha Khachanurak. This initiative fosters a deep appreciation for wild elephants and strives to nurture a balanced coexistence between humans and these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Phongsak Doungyotha, the director of the DNP’s Office of Royal Initiative Projects, emphasized King Rama X’s deep concern about forest rehabilitation and the well-being of people living in forest zones. It’s a legacy of progressive laws like The National Park Act and the Wildlife Conservation and Preservation Act, which were the initial laws acknowledging the vital role of local communities within forest zones.
Under His Majesty’s remarkable efforts, state agencies have ramped up their initiatives to improve living conditions for both local residents and wildlife. Recent triumphs of this ambitious office include the expansion of grass fields over 6,064 rai, enhancement of soil quality across 2,900 rai, development of edible crop plantations over 1,500 rai, installation of 22 water sources, oversight of 118 dam construction checks, and establishment of 144 artificial salt licks for wildlife nutrition.
This office also champions the late King Rama IX’s vision of “three kinds of plant plantation for four benefits,” spreading greenery across 1,148 rai and thereby intensifying the region’s green coverage. According to Mr. Phongsak, the office collaborates intimately with local communities through the innovative “Khachanurak Village” model, which aims to impart a deeper understanding of wild elephants’ behaviors, train locals in preventing and mitigating confrontations, and teach safe methods to guide elephants back to their forest sanctuaries. A pilot project has introduced this model to eight villages across five provinces in the forest complex.
One shining example of this initiative’s success is the Nong Krathing community, situated in Chachoengsao’s Sanam Chai Khet district. Nestled near a reservoir within the Khao Ang Ruenai Wildlife Sanctuary, this area buzzes with thriving edible crops like rice, maize, and sugar cane. However, a growing number of wild elephants started foraging their crops, instigating a profound fear among the locals. The situation escalated in 2015 when around 100 elephants descended upon their fields.
Heeding their plight, HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha’s visit in 2020 brought Nong Krathing into the Khachanurak programme. Since becoming a part of this transformative initiative, the village has seen collaborative effort bear fruitful results. Locals partook in a communal vegetable farming initiative, supplementing their income from crops with earnings of 300-500 baht per day from vegetable sales.
Not stopping there, state agencies and residents united to patrol the area, warding off elephant intrusions effectively. Furthermore, farmers adapted their agricultural practices, switching from edible crops to rubber trees and other economically viable plants to deter elephant raids. Under the compassionate guidance of King Rama X, the community has found a more tranquil livelihood.
To echo the sentiments of village chief, Prathum Panakul, “We lead better lives thanks to King Rama X’s unwavering compassion. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for His Majesty’s earnest endeavors. Witnessing our transformation, other villages aspire to join the project, seeing firsthand that the King always stands by his people.”
It’s great to see such dedicated efforts to preserve wildlife, but those human fatalities are heartbreaking. 115 deaths in 11 years is a lot!
Absolutely, Maria. We have to find a way to balance conservation with human safety. Maybe the answer is better protected sanctuaries?
It’s not just about better sanctuaries, Tom. We need to invest more in understanding elephant behavior and conflict mitigation.
Increased sanctuaries sound great, but would they really be enough? Elephants need a lot of space and resources.
Why do we even need these elephants? They’re causing too much harm. Just relocate them to a more remote area!
Relocation is not that simple, Sammy. Elephants have established territories and moving them can disrupt that balance.
Jen is right. Besides, relocating them would cost a fortune and could still lead to issues in the new location.
I’m impressed by the Khachanurak programme. It’s good to see local communities being involved. Empowering them is key!
True, Amara. Community involvement ensures sustainability. They know the land better than anyone.
But why did it take so long for the government to come up with this programme? People have been suffering for years.
James, change takes time, especially in complex issues like these. Better late than never, right?
I’m all for conservation, but at what cost? Human lives shouldn’t be put in danger. More needs to be done!
Totally agree, Laura. Risking human lives for animal conservation seems backwards. There must be a better approach.
People are the problem here. If they didn’t encroach on forest land, we wouldn’t be having this issue!
That’s unfair, WildlifeLover. Not all locals have a choice about where they live. The issue is complex.
Agreed, Helen. Blaming people isn’t productive. We need solutions, not finger-pointing.
Maybe, but let’s not forget that our interference often leads to these conflicts. Education and respect for nature are crucial.
The economic angle is fascinating. Switching crops to deter elephants is a smart move. More communities should adopt this strategy.
Agreed, Leo. As a farmer, I know how damaging elephants can be. We need all the help we can get.
But what about the economic viability of these new crops? What works in one region might not work in another.
Fair point, EcoWarrior. It does require careful planning and trial, but the benefits can be significant.
King Rama X has done a remarkable job with these initiatives. It’s good to see royalty taking such an active role in conservation.
While the programme sounds good, it feels like a PR stunt for the royal family. How effective is it really?
Wow, Carla, skeptical much? Even if it is PR, it’s still helping people and elephants. That’s a win in my book.
I just think we should critically analyze these things. Blind praise gets us nowhere.
Nong Krathing’s transformation is inspiring. It’s proof that community-led conservation works.
State agencies need to do more. Building dams and providing water sources is beneficial, but what about long-term solutions?
People should respect the elephants’ territory. It’s their home too. We need to find a balance!
The increase in elephant population is a sign of successful conservation efforts. Now we need to focus on human-elephant coexistence.
Patcharasutha Khachanurak is a noble initiative. By improving both human and wildlife conditions, it addresses the root of the conflict.
I can’t believe the government needed royal intervention to act on this issue. It’s their responsibility!