In July and September, FREELAND staff were invited to observe ranger trainings organized by Thailand’s National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (DNP). The trainings at Khao Yai covered patrolling and advanced GPS navigation.

More than 120 rangers completed the courses, which build on previous FREELAND-supported GPS trainings designed to increase the effectiveness of patrolling for forest and wildlife protection. Our foundation was excited to see the DNP running even larger GPS trainings for rangers from Khao Yai and other parks in the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex.

FREELAND has donated more than 20 state-of-the-art GPS units to Khao Yai’s rangers. The Foundation for Khao Yai National Park Protection has also subsidized the cost of more than 20 full ranger kits.

In Thailand and other parts of Asia, many rangers have to pay for replacement equipment themselves, despite meagre wages and the constant need to repair and replace uniforms and equipment due to heavy wear from patrolling in wet and humid conditions.