Khao Yai Experiences
Stories from Thailand’s World Heritage ParkASEAN eyes on ranger training
A demonstration forest patrol and counter-poaching training course involving 20 Thai rangers is being conducted by FREELAND at Khao Yai National Park from November 9-23, 2009.
Senior forest protection officials from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Burma, the Philippines and Thailand are observing the course and will seek to replicate efforts to build patrolling capacity in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries throughout Southeast Asia.
Southeast Asia’s forests are home to a rich biodiversity of wildlife and rangers are tasked with protecting vast vulnerable areas. With poachers often crossing borders to illegally cut timber and hunt for increasingly rare wildlife, a regional approach to equipping rangers with the skills they need to patrol safely and effectively is crucial.
FREELAND is one of the most experienced providers of wildlife law enforcement training in Asia. Our comprehensive multi-language Training Program rapidly builds the capacity of front-line authorities to prevent, detect and respond to crimes against nature – protecting biodiversity and ecosystems for the future of the planet.
FREELAND thanks Thailand’s National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, ASEAN Wildlife Enforcement Network and USAID for making this groundbreaking demonstration training possible.
Learning about Clouded Leopards
More than 250 students kept FREELAND’s Community Outreach Team Leader Sayan Raksachart busy as our Mobile Education Unit visited numerous local schools over recent months, delivering fun lessons focused on the biology and behavior of Clouded Leopards, as well as efforts to understand and protect them.
Clouded Leopards are a vulnerable, distinctive, mid-sized wild cat species native to Southeast Asia. Find out more about the species from our friends at the Clouded Leopard Project.
With teaching materials and financial support from the Point Defiance Zoo, and the help of staff from Khao Yai and Tap Lan national parks, the Mobile Unit taught students about the importance of habitat conservation and ranger patrols to protect the species.
Lessons focus on fun, hands-on activities, including songs, pantomime and making plaster-molds of animal footprints – a technique used for identification and monitoring.
Help us nurture more future wildlife conservationists in Thailand’s schools with a donation to support the Mobile Education Unit.
Greenpeace calls for Chang[e]
Yesterday, Greenpeace Southeast Asia’s Chang[e] Caravan set off from Khao Yai to send a message to the world’s political leaders to act against the threat of disastrous climate change.
‘Chang’ means ‘Elephant’ in Thai, one of the most revered creatures in the country, but elephants can suffer greatly when removed from the wild. Five Asian Elephants in the Caravan were rescued and rehabilitated from Bangkok’s streets by the Thai Elephant Research and Conservation Fund.
Over the next two weeks, the elephants and activists will travel 250km south to the outskirts of the capital to raise awareness about the delicate interconnection between wildlife and climate.
![Greenpeace Chang[e] Caravan Launch at Khao Yai (Photo by Greenpeace)](http://khaoyai.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/changecaravanlaunch.jpg "Greenpeace Chang[e] Caravan Launch at Khao Yai (Photo by Greenpeace)")
Before setting off, mahout elders held a ceremony, praying to the spirits of ancestor mahouts for safety and luck on the journey. Thai Buddhist monks also blessed the caravan.
Along the way they will hold activities for students and communities on elephant and forest conservation, climate change impacts and renewable energies. Follow the caravan’s progress on Greenpeace Southeast Asia’s blog.
Five great places to stay
Cabbages & Condoms
Cabbages & Condoms Restaurant and Resort at Sap Tai is nestled in a valley surrounded by the steep limestone hills of Khao Yai National Park.
Established by Thailand’s Population & Community Development Association, the resort once acted as a Community Development Centre but now focuses on catering to visitors. Profits still contribute to rural development, education and scholarships, HIV/AIDS and sexual health awareness, as well as environmental protection.
Pannaburee Resort
“No air-condintioning, no TV, no fridge – just you, your friends and nature,” is the slogan of this simple but comfortable resort, located within easy striking distance of Khao Yai.
Nicknamed ‘Little Pai’, this is a great place to relax, with canoeing, cycling or just chillin’ at the bar among the alternatives for those ‘all hiked out’.
Greenleaf Guesthouse & Tour
Basic backpacker accommodation, but Greenleaf’s wildlife tours are worth taking even if you don’t stay at the guesthouse. Full and half-day tours led by experienced English-speaking guides will usually encounter wild elephants, hornbills, bats, macaques and other colourful Khao Yai inhabitants.
Camping/Park Accommodation
During the dry season, camping is one of the most fun ways to stay at Khao Yai. Wake up inside World Heritage forest to the sound of gibbon calls. If a tent isn’t your style, bungalows and terraces can also be reserved through the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation – it’s a popular option, so book ahead.
Staying inside the park helps support Khao Yai’s upkeep. Make sure to dispose of any rubbish at the allocated points or take it with you, and bring some extra warm clothing – Khao Yai can get cold at night.
Village Homestay
Adventurous travelers who stay with a family in one of the many villages dotted around Khao Yai will enjoy a unique experience. Homestay offers a chance to see how local people live, taste home-cooked thai food, and see FREELAND’s sustainable development projects in action. But be warned, people in the villages around Khao Yai are not wealthy – housing is extremely basic.
These suggestions are provided independently. Other environmentally responsible or interesting recommendations are welcome.
Uniting for forest corridor conservation
Improved protection for the World Heritage listed Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex was the focus of a multi-stakeholder meeting at Khao Yai National Park on August 8, 2009.
Laws for forest conservation and their application across the vast and important reserve were discussed by senior members of the Royal Thai Police, Army, Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the regional ASEAN Wildlife Enforcement Network, as well as district prosecutors, local elected officials and community representatives.
FREELAND was allocated a session to detail our ranger training programs and community outreach pilots. As the only non-government conservation group invited to present, FREELAND’s important role in conservation of the Forest Complex was acknowledged and applauded.
However, the meeting also highlighted that much more work needs to be done (particularly in the area of community engagement for forest stewardship) to tackle threats such as poaching, illegal tree cutting and encroachment.
FREELAND staff used this occasion to provide Nature Crime Investigation manuals to the Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, as part of ongoing efforts to help build law enforcement capacity for biodiversity protection and keep environmental crime high on the agenda.
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ภาษาไทย
Khao Yai Sustainable Visitor's Guide (PDF 275kb)