Surayud: Khao Yai Thieng

ENVIRONMENT - Surayud calls for drive to protect the nation's forests.
24 January 1999
Bangkok Post

Army Commander-in-Chief Surayud Chulanont yesterday called on parties concerned to help protect the country's dwindling forests, particularly watershed areas, in the wake of deteriorating water shortage problem.

He said the army was ready to help the Forestry Department in preserving forests nationwide, especially along the borders and near human settlements. Citing Khao Yai national park, he said the forest there is the source of several rivers including Lam Takong which serves as a lifeline for the people in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Gen Surayud admitted that he felt a strong sense of belonging with Khao Yai ever since his childhood days when he had the opportunity to go hunting for small games in the forest.
He said he had talked with several forest rangers at Khao Yai and was fully aware of their difficulty in protecting the forest with a mere 200 people. In his capacity as chairman of Khao Yai national park foundation, he said a musical concert would be held at the park on January 29-30 to raise fund to help the park officials and also to create public awareness about forest protection.