Prime Minister launches reforestation project

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha showed his green thumb last week. He joined volunteers and ministers to launch a reforestation project in northern Chiang Mai province to expand the Kingdom’s forest cover by 3 percent in seven years to repair and protect the environment.

Thailand has a well-deserved global reputation for lush rainforests, stunning landscapes, and a menagerie of wildlife. Nonetheless, decades of rapid industrialization and expansion of agriculture have resulted in the shearing away of large portions of the Kingdom’s forest cover. About 32 percent of Thailand’s landmass is forested, according to the Royal Forest Department.

But reforestation efforts have been bearing fruit. In 2018 alone, the Kingdom added forest cover equivalent to the size of the island province of Phuket.

The dignitaries started the first phase of the three-phase project on July 28 to commemorate the 68th Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, who has continued royal support for green initiatives as a strong proponent of protecting the Kingdom’s environment and reforestation.

The project’s initial phase will cover at least 2,807 acres nationwide, including 400 acres plus water-conserving weirs in Chiang Mai, Tak, Nan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum and Nakhon Si Thammarat provinces. The entire project is scheduled for completion in 2027.

Photo courtesy of https://www.deqp.go.th/