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King Rama X’s Initiative Transforms Eastern Thailand’s Forest Conservation Efforts

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Green for miles: A file photo shows a bird's eye view of the green area of Chachoengsao
(File photo: Sontanaporn Inchan)

The Eastern Forest Complex, a sprawling expanse of verdant wilderness, stands as the Central region’s most vital low-lying forest landscape. Encompassing over 1.363 million rai across the five provinces of Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Rayong, Chon Buri, and Sa Kaeo, this complex is a sanctuary for an impressive variety of wildlife. Within its dense foliage, you’ll find two wildlife sanctuaries and three national parks, making it a hotspot of biodiversity.

Among the forest’s most majestic inhabitants are more than 600 wildlife species, inclusive of approximately 450 wild elephants whose population experiences an annual growth rate of 8.2%—the highest in the nation. This burgeoning elephant populace, however, has led to occasional raids into local communities, resulting in crop destruction and regrettably, sporadic human fatalities.

From 2012 to 2023, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) documented 115 human deaths in the complex caused by encounters with wild elephants. To address this pressing issue, His Majesty King Rama X spearheaded an initiative in October 2019 called Patcharasutha Khachanurak. This initiative focuses on promoting a deeper appreciation for wild elephants and nurturing a balanced coexistence between humans and these magnificent animals.

Phongsak Doungyotha, director of the DNP’s Office of Royal Initiative Projects, conveyed King Rama X’s concerns about forest rehabilitation and the livelihoods of forest-dwelling communities. Under the auspices of the National Park Act and the Wildlife Conservation and Preservation Act, which were endorsed by the King, greater attention has been given to integrating local communities within forest zones into conservation efforts.

Remarkable strides have been made in enhancing both local living conditions and habitat quality through various state agency initiatives. Achievements include expanding grass fields by over 6,064 rai, improving soil across 2,900 rai, planting edible crops on 1,500 additional rai, establishing 22 water sources, carrying out 118 dam construction checks, and arranging 144 artificial salt licks. Additionally, the late King Rama IX’s “three kinds of plant plantation for four benefits” strategy was employed on 1,148 rai to boost the green cover of the area.

Significant efforts have been directed towards engaging with local communities under the “Khachanurak Village” model. This framework encourages understanding of wild elephants’ behavior and equips locals with basic training on safely guiding these giants back to the forest, thus minimizing confrontations. Eight model villages have been launched across the five provinces enclosed within the forest complex.

“The royal projects’ cornerstone is sustainable development. When locals observe the tangible benefits of forest conservation, they become active participants in preservation efforts,” Mr. Phongsak elaborates. “King Rama X perpetuates his father’s legacy, firmly believing that people and the forest can harmoniously coexist.”

The Nong Krathing community in Chachoengsao’s Sanam Chai Khet district is an exemplary Khachanurak model village. Proximal to a reservoir in the Khao Ang Ruenai Wildlife Sanctuary and lush with crops like rice, maize, and sugar cane, this community has had its share of challenges with wild elephants. In 2015, the village was besieged by about 100 wild elephants, leaving the locals in a state of distress.

Following a visit by HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha in 2020, the community was integrated into the Khachanurak programme to mitigate these conflicts. Nong Krathing’s village chief, Prathum Panakul, extolls the initiative’s benefits, which include a cooperative vegetable farming scheme that supplements income from rice and cassava plantations, allowing locals to earn an additional 300-500 baht per day.

State agencies and villagers have also collaborated to patrol the area, effectively reducing elephant intrusions. Moreover, many farmers have transitioned from growing edible crops to cultivating rubber trees and other economic plants, thereby limiting the elephants’ food sources. “Our lives have improved immensely due to King Rama X’s compassion. We are deeply grateful for his ongoing support. Other villages are eager to join the program, recognizing the King’s unwavering commitment to his people,” Ms. Prathum noted.

29 Comments

  1. JaneDoe123 July 28, 2024

    It’s amazing to see such a comprehensive project that aims for the coexistence of humans and wildlife. Kudos to King Rama X!

    • EcoWarrior July 28, 2024

      True, but let’s not forget the human costs involved—over 100 deaths since 2012! Are those lives worth it?

      • JaneDoe123 July 28, 2024

        Of course, every life matters. That’s precisely why the initiative includes measures to reduce these incidents. It’s a step in the right direction.

      • NatGeoFan July 28, 2024

        Exactly! It’s about long-term balance. Human-wildlife conflict is an issue globally, but this seems to be a creative and responsible approach.

    • Taylor Green July 28, 2024

      We shouldn’t be letting elephants kill people. These measures are not enough!

      • JaneDoe123 July 28, 2024

        No solution is perfect, Taylor, but these projects are more proactive than most. We have to start somewhere.

      • Taylor Green July 28, 2024

        Maybe, but I don’t think prioritizing wildlife over human lives is the answer.

  2. Brian Johnson July 28, 2024

    The involvement of locals in these conservation efforts is commendable. They’re the ones who have to deal with the elephants firsthand.

  3. RebelCookie July 28, 2024

    Great PR for the monarchy, but it’s just a way to distract from bigger issues in Thailand.

    • SkepticalSam July 28, 2024

      Exactly! It’s probably more about showing off than actually caring about the environment.

    • WildlifeLover July 28, 2024

      While I understand the skepticism, the results speak for themselves. Improved local economies and reduced wildlife conflicts are hard to fake.

  4. Kathy July 28, 2024

    I worry that the program will fail to maintain momentum and the elephants will return to being a huge problem.

    • ConserveNow July 28, 2024

      It’s possible, but that’s why continued community involvement and periodic reviews are crucial. It’s sustainable only if it’s a long-term commitment.

    • Bob K July 28, 2024

      Every initiative needs ongoing support to be successful. We should keep the pressure on the government to uphold these projects.

  5. Ravi Patel July 28, 2024

    This model should be adopted in more regions, not just in Thailand. Human-wildlife conflict is a global issue.

  6. SkepticalTeacher July 28, 2024

    I teach 6th grade and my students find these initiatives very inspiring. It shows that humans can work with nature rather than against it.

  7. Traveller29 July 28, 2024

    I’ve been to Chachoengsao, and the transformation is real. The amount of green cover is astonishing.

    • NaturalistNancy July 28, 2024

      I’ve seen similar programs in Africa. They can be life-changing for communities and wildlife. Glad to hear it’s working in Thailand too.

  8. EcoActivist123 July 28, 2024

    We need to consider the ethical aspects of these relocations. Is it fair to the elephants?

    • ScienceGeek July 28, 2024

      Ethics are complicated, but human safety must be a priority. These measures are a compromise.

  9. Paulo July 28, 2024

    A lot of these comments are missing the point. Conservation is important, but it’s also about funding and who’s benefiting economically.

  10. GreenThumb July 28, 2024

    Planting crops that don’t attract elephants is a smart idea. It’s a win-win for farmers and wildlife.

    • BumbleBee July 28, 2024

      Agreed! Also, practicing sustainable agriculture can further help in preserving the ecological balance.

  11. TechieKid July 28, 2024

    Why not use technology like drones to monitor elephant movements and prevent conflicts?

  12. FarmerJohn July 28, 2024

    Easy to suggest from afar, but tech solutions aren’t always practical or affordable in these regions.

    • TechieKid July 28, 2024

      That’s why there should be state support or subsidies for such tech. It can really help in the long run.

  13. RonaldT July 28, 2024

    Heartwarming to see local communities getting such immense help. True effort from King Rama X.

    • Jaded July 28, 2024

      Or maybe it’s just about optics. Politicians do the same thing everywhere.

  14. SamanthaL July 28, 2024

    A noble goal, but have all voices, particularly those of marginalized communities, been considered here?

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