National —
On July 25th, 2024, Mr. Kuson Chotirat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), inaugurated Global Tiger Day 2024 at Future Park Rangsit, Pathum Thani. The event, themed “Go Goal Tigers” highlighted Thailand’s commitment to tiger conservation.
The Global Tiger Day will be held on July 29th annually to raise awareness for tiger conservation, noted TPN.
Mr. Atthaphon Charoenchansa, the director-general of the Thai National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation Department, praised Thailand’s achievements under the National Tiger Conservation Action Plan (2010-2022).
During the Sustainable Finance for Tiger Conservation Landscapes meeting in April 2024, Thailand was recognized as a “Champion of Tiger Conservation in Southeast Asia,” reflecting its success in increasing tiger populations and enhancing tiger habitats.
Atthaphon noted that in 2023-2024, over 1,200 camera traps were installed across 19 protected areas in five forest complexes. The latest surveys report 179-223 adult tigers, with significant growth in the Western Forest Complex, a key habitat. This is almost triple the growth in recent years.
He further explained that the 2024 tiger conservation efforts are part of the National Tiger Conservation Action Plan Phase 2 (2022-2034). The goal is to boost tiger populations in key habitats through effective area management and population monitoring.
The plan targets forest complexes such as Western Forest, Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai, Kaeng Krachan, Phu Khieo-Nam Nao, and Khlong Saeng-Khao Sok.
Thailand aims to lead tiger conservation efforts in Southeast Asia by 2034, working collaboratively with all sectors to restore tiger and prey populations and maintain sustainable habitats, according to Atthaphon.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
