Electricity Generating Public Company Limited or EGCO Group by Thai Rak Pa Foundation developed and delivered the “Krung Ching Waterfall Nature Trail,” Khao Luang National Park Nakhon Si Thammarat Province with a natural interpretation system and the "Krung Ching Virtual Nature Trail 360 Degree" application for the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation as a learning center on the rainforest ecosystem and an important historical learning center in the southern region for naturalists, researchers, youth and tourists. The route handover ceremony was held on June 15, 2022, with Mr. Sanan Sonthimuang, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, as a witness.

Mr. Thepparat Theppitak, President of EGCO Group and Chairman of the Board of Directors Thai Rak Pa Foundation, revealed that “EGCO Group has operated its business while giving importance to being a good member of society and caring for communities, society, and the environment continuously for more than 30 years by carrying out a mission to conserve natural resources and take care of the country's important watershed forests to ensure sustainability. Through establishing and supporting the Thai Rak Pa Foundation since 2002, which has developed nature study routes to be “Nature Classroom” as a learning center for the watershed forest ecosystem. It is one of the missions the Thai Rak Pa Foundation has carried out continuously to give youth and tourists knowledge and understanding about nature. Recognize the value of watershed forests, which are the source of nourishment for all living things. Living together with other living things in a supportive manner and joining in preserving it to pass it on to the next generation.

Ms. Mananee Pathayachiva, secretary-general of the Thai Rak Pa Foundation, revealed that “from the importance of the area combined with the original nature study route, it has deteriorated over time. Therefore, the Thai Rak Pa Foundation came to develop and improve the Krung Ching Waterfall nature study route to make it strong, safe and in harmony with its original natural state from 2018 until completion in 2022. The work has given importance to the participation of the community and all stakeholders by organizing a forum to brainstorm ideas leading to route improvements. Only at important and necessary points to reduce the impact on natural resources in the area and change natural conditions as little as possible as well as establish a Committee to maintain the use of the Krung Ching Waterfall Nature Trail to oversee the long-term use of the trail in accordance to balanced and sustainable development guidelines.”

“At the same time, the foundation has also developed and installed interpretive signs along the route, totaling 13 points, to serve as a medium for conveying knowledge and natural values to visitors, including developing the application "Krung Ching Virtual Nature Trail 360 Degrees" so that tourists and interested parties can access nature in a 360-degree format through the online system anywhere, anytime, in addition to the Krung Ching Waterfall Nature Trail, Khao Luang National Park Foundation. The project is still in progress to develop and improve the Pha Dok Siao nature study trail, Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai Province, to continue the mission of conserving natural resources in protected areas in collaboration with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation,” Ms. Mananee concluded.

Dr. Songtham Suksawang, an expert in natural resources and forest Conservation at the Department of National Parks, revealed that “The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation emphasizes the importance of participation of all sectors in managing natural resources and the environment to achieve sustainability. For example, the cooperation between the National Park Service, EGCO Group and the Thai Rak Pa Foundation has continuously worked together to develop and improve various nature study routes in the national park area since 2008 until the present under a memorandum of understanding. Issue 4 between 2021-2026, which the Thai Rak Pa Foundation can be considered an example of the private sector participating with the government sector in promoting and driving the mission of the National Park Service can proceed smoothly.”

“Collaboration between the National Park Service over the years, EGCO Group and the Thai Rak Pa Foundation reflects our commitment to conservation operations to take care of the country's natural resources to ensure stability and sustainability. This newly improved Krung Ching Waterfall nature trail can potentially convey the story of the importance and charm of the southern forests to tourists and people. It is also an important learning source for naturalists, researchers and bird watchers, which will help develop deep and long-term conservation work,” Mr. Songtham said.