Bangkok: ‘Forest Lovers, Forest Lovers Community 68’ recognized model communities nationwide for their successful efforts in forest conservation during the “Forest Conservationists, Forests and Communities 2025” award ceremony. The event was presided over by Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, and featured a royal trophy presentation from Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Attendees included senior executives from the Ministry, the Royal Forest Department, public and private sector representatives, RATCH Group Public Company Limited, and community forest representatives from across the nation.
According to Thai News Agency, the government under the leadership of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, emphasizes the importance of community forest management as a key mechanism for public involvement in the sustainable care, restoration, and utilization of forest resources. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment aims to promote community forests as central to spatial conservation and local community empowerment.
The ceremony honored outstanding community forest management achievements with several awards, including the National Community Forest Award Winner, three National Community Forest Awards, four Regional Community Forest Awards, four Regional Community Forest Awards runner-up, four Outstanding Community Forest Awards for Natural Disaster Response, and 14 awards from the Royal Forest Department recognizing outstanding community forest initiatives. Award-winning community representatives shared their achievements in forest conservation, resource management, and sustainable reliance on forests, while also discussing future development strategies and exchanging experiences to enhance national community forest management.
Deputy Prime Minister Suchart emphasized the critical role of community forestry operations in safeguarding the country’s forest resources, which hold economic, social, and environmental value. He assured continued support from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment through knowledge promotion, budget support, and collaborative networks to empower communities in sustainable forest stewardship.
Mr. Nikorn Sirarojananon, Director-General of the Royal Forest Department, highlighted the department’s focus on public participation and network partnerships to foster collaborative resource management. With the Community Forest Act of 2019, the Royal Forest Department has promoted the establishment of 12,985 community forests across 14,593 villages, covering 7.07 million rai of land. Efforts are underway to reach the target of 15,000 community forests, enhancing local involvement in forest resource management.
Mr. Nitat Vorapanpipat, CEO of RATCH Group Public Company Limited, noted that the “Forest Lovers, Community Lovers” project is a key environmental and social initiative for the company. Aligning with its mission to achieve carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions, the initiative supports forest planting and restoration, reduces environmental impacts, enhances carbon absorption, balances ecosystems, and preserves biodiversity.