BANGKOK, Thailand – Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaised presided over the 2025 Huai Kha Khaeng World Heritage Day celebration in Uthai Thani province on December 9, commemorating the 34th anniversary of the sanctuary’s UNESCO World Heritage designation. The event, held at the Ban Rai Municipality Sports Stadium, honored Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother’s conservation legacy, and promoted youth involvement in natural resource protection. Local leaders, government agencies, students, and members of the public took part in the day’s activities.
Cultural performances opened the event, including “Forest Loves Water—Strengthening Bonds Beneath Royal Grace,” followed by a student showcase from Uthai Thammanuwat Wittaya School. The presentations highlighted Her Majesty’s conservation philosophy, linking healthy forests to sustainable water resources and underscoring the need for ecological balance.
Minister Sabeeda later presented awards for an environmental exhibition competition themed around the Queen Mother’s royal conservation efforts. She also visited booths showcasing forest preservation projects, traditional crafts, and cultural activities. Exhibits included works from the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation, Royal Thai costume displays, and local arts demonstrations that promoted environmental awareness.
Sabeeda described Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary as a core part of Thailand’s conservation landscape. Located within the Western Forest Complex, the sanctuary is one of the few protected areas in Thailand that is free of human settlement or land cultivation. It is surrounded by several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, forming the largest continuous conservation zone in Southeast Asia.
The culture minister also addressed the increasing frequency of natural disasters and the urgent need to safeguard forests and ecosystems. Sabeeda called on the public to take an active role in protecting Thailand’s natural heritage, stressing the importance of keeping Huai Kha Khaeng a secure refuge for wildlife and a lasting symbol of national environmental stewardship. (NNT)
