Thailand – Argument over the construction of 7 reservoirs in Khao Yai National Park

The plan to construct 7 water reservoirs in the Khao Yai National Park, one of Thailand’s World Heritage Sites and the only remaining rainforest, covered 3 provinces – Nakhon Nayok, Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasrima – has sparked arguments among the residents of the 3 provinces, NGOs, and government departments due to its negative impact on forest and wildlife. Many villagers rejected these projects, 14 groups of NGOs around Khao Yai and the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation – the strongest environmental foundation in Thailand – submitted an open letter to the Thai Prime Minister stating that all 7 projects are not acceptable. According to Boonseub Panprasert – Speaker of Look Maprang Youth group, managing the water outside the World Heritage Site or the National Park is also an option, to reduce the harm to national park areas.