SONGKHLA, Thailand – Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin presided over the opening of an operational guidelines meeting following the delisting of the Red-whiskered Bulbul from the protected wildlife list at the S Hatyai Hotel in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province. The event also covered land management under Section 121 of the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019) and included the presentation of residential and land-use certificates for wildlife conservation areas. Director-General Athapol Charoenshunsa of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) delivered the official report.
The meeting aimed to promote mutual understanding and establish clear operational frameworks among agencies, network partners, and local residents. Key objectives include monitoring wild Red-whiskered Bulbul populations, preventing illegal poaching and genetic contamination, and balancing conservation with sustainable community livelihoods. Athapol emphasized the Red-whiskered Bulbul’s ecological significance and its strong cultural ties to Southern Thai communities. The DNP seeks to align conservation with sustainable use by implementing monitoring, preventing population impacts, and encouraging ongoing public cooperation. Key activities included briefings on legal regulations, protection measures after delisting, monitoring wild populations for future management, and discussions with partners to prevent wild bird trading and the release of captive-bred birds.
Minister Suchart stated that delisting the Red-whiskered Bulbul required determination to support the traditional bird-raising and breeding practices of Southern residents. He noted that removing legal restrictions makes the bird a legitimate economic asset, allowing lawful breeding and trading through a unified data system managed by the DNP. He added that he will sign the official document today, with publication in the Royal Gazette expected within 30 days to enact the regulation. The initiative provides legal clarity for communities in conservation areas, supporting improved infrastructure, occupational opportunities, and eco-tourism while protecting local ecosystems. (NNT)
