King Rama X’s initiative aims to foster harmonious coexistence between local communities and wildlife, yielding significant results.
The Eastern Forest Complex is recognized as a vital low-lying forest ecosystem in Central Thailand.
Spanning over 1.363 million rai across five provinces—Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Rayong, Chon Buri, and Sa Kaeo—this complex is home to two wildlife sanctuaries and three national parks.
This rich area supports over 600 wildlife species, including 450 wild elephants, showcasing an impressive annual population growth rate of 8.2%, the highest in the nation.
Nonetheless, the expanding wild elephant population has led to increased encounters with local communities, resulting in crop damage and tragic fatalities.
From 2012 to 2023, records indicate 115 human fatalities attributed to wild elephant encounters within the complex, as reported by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation.
The Khachanurak initiative, launched by King Rama X in October 2019, aims to enhance public awareness of wild elephants and promote a peaceful coexistence with nature.
According to the director of the initiative, King Rama X prioritizes forest restoration and the welfare of communities residing in forest areas.
Notably, the National Park Act and the Wildlife Conservation and Preservation Act, championed by the King, are pioneering legislations that underscore the significance of local communities living in forest environments.
Under these royal initiatives, state agencies have intensified efforts to improve living conditions for both residents and wildlife.
The latest developments include expanding grassland areas to over 6,064 rai, enhancing soil quality across 2,900 rai, elevating edible crop fields by 1,500 rai, and establishing 22 water sources along with 118 dam checkpoints, alongside arranging 144 artificial salt licks.
The initiative also revitalizes the late King Rama IX’s “three kinds of plant plantation for four benefits” program across 1,148 rai to increase green spaces.
Community engagement remains pivotal through the “Khachanurak Village” model, fostering comprehension of wild elephant behavior and offering training to mitigate conflicts, such as safely guiding elephants back to their habitats.
Currently, eight pilot villages are operational within the five provinces of the forest complex. The underlying principle of these royal projects is sustainable development, encouraging locals to preserve the forest by recognizing its benefits.
“King Rama X continues his father’s legacy, believing in harmonious coexistence between people and nature,” stated an initiative spokesperson.
The Nong Krathing community in the Sanam Chai Khet district of Chachoengsao is among the model villages.
Situated near a reservoir in the Khao Ang Ruenai Wildlife Sanctuary, this area thrives with diverse edible crops, including rice, maize, and sugar cane.
However, in 2015, the village endured threats from around 100 wild elephants raiding their fields, instilling fear within the community.
When HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha visited in 2020, she recognized the challenges and integrated Nong Krathing into the Khachanurak initiative.
Nong Krathing village chief, Prathum Panakul, reported that the project has been transformative, introducing a cooperative vegetable farming scheme that enables residents to cultivate crops collectively for additional income alongside their rice and cassava harvests, leading to daily earnings of 300-500 baht.
Additionally, collaboration between state agencies and villagers has strengthened patrols to deter elephant intrusions.
Ms. Prathum noted a shift from traditional crop plantations to rubber tree and economic plant cultivation to limit food sources for elephants. “Our lives have improved greatly due to King Rama X’s compassion. We are grateful for his efforts, and other villages are eager to join the initiative after witnessing its benefits,” she added.
