Save Thap Lan – World Heritage Site

The Last Land Forest of Thailand

Thap Lan Forest

The #saveทับลาน movement is trending on social media, highlighting the risk to Thailand’s last Lan Forest, a World Heritage site. There’s a campaign to sign a petition against the new boundary adjustment of Thap Lan National Park, which covers 265,000 rai across Prachin Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Sa Kaeo provinces. The deadline for signing is July 12, 2024. Here’s why we need to #saveทับลาน.

On March 14, 2023, the Cabinet approved the Office of the National Land Policy Committee’s proposal to revise the One Map Integrated State Land Boundary Map for Thap Lan National Park. This park covers Pak Thong Chai, Wang Nam Khiao, Khon Buri, Soeng Sang districts in Nakhon Ratchasima, and Na Di district in Prachin Buri, totaling 1,387,375 rai or 2,235.80 square kilometers. If the new boundaries are implemented, the park will lose about 265,000 rai.

Normally, national park boundary changes require public hearings and participation, per the National Park Act B.E. 2562, which ensures conservation and sustainable use of national parks and biodiversity. If the area is to be declared for Agricultural Land Reform (Sor Por Kor), it must be through a Royal Decree, and the land must be clearly degraded.

The Seub Nakhasathien Foundation outlined six impacts if 265,000 rai of Thap Lan National Park is withdrawn:

1. The 2000 surveyed boundary will illegally encroach on 164,960 rai of national forest reserves.
2. It affects ongoing lawsuits against 470 investors/new owners and changes in land use for 23 cases, covering over 11,083 rai.
3. It favors investors for more hotel, resort, and vacation home development.
4. It diminishes the value of the natural World Heritage site: This forest is a watershed for surrounding communities and crucial for tiger population recovery.
5. It allows land use changes like excavation and logging, which can disrupt water absorption, leading to potential flash floods during rainy seasons.
6. It disturbs wildlife habitats and migration routes due to human activities.

(Source: Seub Nakhasathien Foundation https://www.seub.or.th/)

Thap Lan National Park

Thap Lan National Park, in northeastern and eastern Thailand, covers Pak Thong Chai, Wang Nam Khiao, Khon Buri, Soeng Sang districts in Nakhon Ratchasima, and Na Di district in Prachin Buri. The park features rare, naturally growing Lan trees, vital watersheds, and beautiful landscapes, including cliffs and waterfalls. It is the second-largest national park in Thailand, after Kaeng Krachan National Park, declared on December 23, 1981.

On July 14, 2005, Thap Lan, Khao Yai, Pang Sida, Ta Phraya National Parks, and Dong Yai Wildlife Sanctuary were declared UNESCO World Heritage sites under the name “Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex.” Thap Lan also won the Gold Level (Excellent) Green National Parks award in 2020.

Attractions in Thap Lan National Park

• Lan Forest and Recreational Garden: Located at the park’s headquarters, this is the last natural Lan forest in Thailand, featuring diverse plant species.
• Thap Lan Waterfall (Heo Nok Kok Waterfall): A stunning 20-meter waterfall flowing during the rainy season.
• Thap Lan Reservoir: A scenic reservoir surrounded by mountains.
• Chom Tawan Beach: A 300-meter-long beach along the Lam Plai Mat Dam reservoir, offering swimming, boat tours, and raft rides.
• Bo Thong Waterfall: Beautiful during the rainy season from July to September.
• Huai Kham Phu Waterfall: A stream cascading down multiple levels, ideal for relaxation.
• Lam Praeng: A conservation area home to various wildlife species.
• Huai Yai Waterfall: A large, year-round waterfall, 50 meters high and 30 meters wide, though not suitable for swimming.
• Suan Hom, Huai Khamin, and Huai Yai Tai Waterfalls: Beautiful waterfalls during the rainy season.
• Lam Mun Bon Dam: A 30-meter-high earthen dam at the source of the Mun River, with scenic views from its crest.

Stakeholders, local communities, and the public can provide their feedback on the Thap Lan National Park boundary adjustments in Prachin Buri, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Sa Kaeo provinces. Submit your opinions on the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation website until July 12, 2024: Department of National Parks or click here.

Let’s unite to #saveทับลาน and protect Thailand’s natural heritage!

Image: Thailand Tourism Directory, tripadvisor.com