NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand – Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin visited Khao Yai National Park on October 31, 2026, to oversee the “Khon Doen Pa” (Forest Hiking School) initiative, which promotes responsible ecotourism and environmental awareness among youth. The Minister was welcomed by Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) Director-General Yongyut Nakawiroj and senior officials.
The Minister emphasized the need to balance sustainable tourism with natural resource conservation. He noted that increased hiking activity requires greater awareness of safety, responsible behavior, and environmental protection. He also directed the DNP to establish a youth conservation club focused on protecting forests, mountains, waterways, and seas. The initiative will offer hands-on learning to help young people understand ecosystems, local forest history, and their role in conservation.
The DNP Director-General stated that Khao Yai National Park is the pilot site for training conservation hiking instructors. In fiscal year 2026, the department trained 208 personnel through six courses, covering 48 national parks and 20 forest parks. In fiscal year 2027, the program will expand to all 133 national parks nationwide and establish hiking classrooms to enhance safety standards and conservation education.
The Minister also visited community enterprises operating in areas allocated under the National Land Policy Committee’s land management policy. The DNP supports these communities by enabling them to sell agricultural and local products within national parks, generating income and promoting sustainable coexistence with forests. (NNT)
