Bangkok: The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) recently celebrated the achievements of three communities that have successfully transformed farmland into sustainable "Green Banks" through innovative research. According to Thai News Agency, the NRCT, in collaboration with various government and development agencies, hosted a forum titled "Valuable Timber: Creating Forests, Building People, and Sustainable Communities" at the BITEC Exhibition and Convention Center in Bangna, Bangkok. This event, held on January 5, 2026, was a platform to showcase the accomplishments of these communities and their approach to sustainable income generation through environmental conservation.
Dr. Wiparat Dee-ong, Director of the NRCT, expressed the council's dedication to driving the Valuable Timber Community Project forward. The national "Valuable Timber Community" award aims to inspire communities to engage in environmental conservation and promote the sustainable management of valuable timber. The awards serve as a recognition of communities that have become models for similar initiatives, encouraging the integration of research and innovation in creating green spaces.
Professor Dr. Sanit Aksornkaew provided an overview of the project's progress, emphasizing its role in applying research and innovation to real-world scenarios. The project fosters community involvement in planting valuable timber and managing forest resources sustainably. The initiative aims to increase forest areas and incentivize public participation in natural resource conservation.
Dr. Teerapat Prayoonsiddhi discussed the project's background, highlighting the NRCT's commitment to promoting knowledge exchange and the development of valuable timber communities. Since its inception in 2023, the project has encouraged communities to utilize appropriate knowledge and technology in expanding green spaces and creating income-generating opportunities. In 2025, 23 communities participated, with awards granted based on a comprehensive selection process.
The "Outstanding" awards were presented to Ban Rong Kho Community (Lampang Province), Ban Mab Chum Saeng Pattana Farmers' Network (Nakhon Sawan Province), and Ban Plaeng Nok Pao Enterprise (Chachoengsao Province). Five communities received "Good" awards, while three communities were given Honorable Mention Awards.
A seminar titled "Valuable Timber: Creating Forests, Building People, Sustainable Communities" featured leaders from the award-winning communities. These leaders shared insights on revitalizing land and promoting community development, with plans to extend the project in two phases. The NRCT is committed to transforming these communities into learning centers to bolster the grassroots economy.