Electricity Generating Public Company Limited or EGCO Group led by the Thai Conservation of Forest Foundation has completed the improvement of the “Pha Dok Siao Natural Trail” in Doi Intanon National Park, Chiang Mai. Flora and fauna signages on-site, online and 360-degree virtual video have been handed over to the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). In addition, the foundation has promoted six areas of development to make Mae Klang Luang Village the tourist attraction prototype of cultural ecology that achieves harmony in living between watershed forests and the Paka Nyaw community. The development project also encourages visitors to realize the importance of their participation in natural preservation in a sustainable manner. The handover ceremony was held on 7 November 2023 with Mr. Tosapol Phuanudom, Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai, as a witness.

Mr. Thepparat Theppitak, EGCO Group’s President and Chairman of the Thai Conservation of Forest Foundation, echoed that EGCO Group has been operating its business with a commitment to sustainability and being a good corporate citizen who truly cares for communities and the environment. For over 20 years, the company has established and supported the operations of the Thai Conservation of Forest Foundation, a charitable organization focusing on the conservation and rehabilitation of watershed forests and their biodiversity. One of the foundation’s major tasks is to improve natural trails, making them a safe and friendly “natural classroom”. Since its launch in 2007, the project has continued uninterruptedly to offer opportunities for young people and the general public to closely appreciate nature and realize the importance of watershed forests and natural resources. The ultimate goal is to encourage the people to participate in conserving nature for the next generation.

Mr. Attapol Charoenchansa, Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said the department highly values participation from all parties in natural resources and environmental management to promote sustainability. The cooperation between the DNP, EGCO Group and the Thai Conservation of Forest Foundation in improving natural trails in national parks since 2008 has been carried out under the 4th MoU (2021-2026). The foundation is considered a success case and a leading example of a private organization with a commitment to working with the government in promoting and driving DNP’s missions toward success.

In addition to the development of the nature trail, the foundation plans to bring its know-how and experience to promote sustainable tourism and protect the watershed forests in Ban Mae Klang Luang. The six areas of know-how are 1) conservation of watershed forest and biodiversity in 19,000 rai area; 2) forest rehabilitation and improvement of agricultural system in 500 rai area; 3) development of Pha Dok Siao Nature Trail; 4) encouraging young people to lead conservation activities; 5) science and cultural researches to prepare sustainable natural resource management database; and 6) promoting the prototype project where man and forest can live together in harmony. This know-how will enable Ban Mae Klang Luang to serve as the prototype area for culture ecology tourist attraction in Doi Intanon National Park.

Please scan this QR Code to visit online information and watch the 360-degree virtual video of the "Pha Dok Siao Nature Trail".