Chaiyaphum: A forest of love, planted in the hearts of the Thai people by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, stands as a testament to her commitment to natural resource and wildlife conservation in Thailand. Her unwavering dedication, recognized widely by the Thai people, has led to the creation and nurturing of the "Phu Khieo-Thung Kamang Natural Wildlife Park Project," reflecting her vision of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
According to Thai News Agency, the roots of this initiative trace back to 1982 when His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit visited the Phu Khiao Wildlife Sanctuary. Recognizing the potential of the vast forest area in Chaiyaphum Province, they envisioned it as a sanctuary for wildlife. His Majesty emphasized that sustainable conservation must include human development, stressing the importance of improving the livelihoods of surrounding communities to discourage hunting and forest encroachment.
Her Majesty the Queen Mother's personal involvement was evident on December 20, 1983, when she stayed overnight at Thung Kamang to study the area. Her trek through the forest underscored her commitment to understanding and preserving wildlife habitats, a commitment mirrored by His Majesty's transformation of hunters into protectors, fostering a new generation's love for the forest.
Significantly, on December 20, 1987, His Majesty King Vajiralongkorn, then Crown Prince, inaugurated the "Thai Wildlife Independence Day Project." This event marked the release of 254 wild animals into their natural habitat and symbolized a shift from hunting to protection, highlighted by citizens surrendering their hunting weapons.
One of the notable successes of these efforts is the revival of the Staghorn Fern, previously extinct in Thailand. This achievement underscores the transformative impact of His Majesty's vision, turning seemingly impossible goals into reality.
Today, the Kamang Plain, covering over 5,000 rai, remains a 'Forest of Love' implanted by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation continues to uphold her legacy, urging all Thais to unite in preserving this precious heritage for future generations.