List of forest parks of Thailand

View from Phu Chi Fa forest park, Chiang Rai Province

Forest parks (Thai: วนอุทยาน, RTGSwanutthayan) in Thailand are protected areas set aside for conservation and protection from development owing to their natural scenic value that are too small to be declared national parks.[1] The forest parks are managed by the fourteen protected areas regional offices and two branches.[2] Thailand's forest parks fall under IUCN Category V, Protected Landscape. There are a total of some 117 Forest Parks in Thailand, 91 are published in the Government Gazette, covering a combined land surface of 1,751 square kilometres (676 sq mi), which is about a 0.34% of the total area of the country.

Since the first protected area was established in Thailand, their capacity to achieve their purpose has been under multiple challenges. As other protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, forest parks are not free from severe threats such as land encroachment, illegal logging and poaching.[3]

Thai highlands[edit]

Name Province Area
(km2)
Date
created
DNP Gazette Page PARO
Doi Hua
Mae Kham
Chiang Rai 5.43 20-11-1998 [1] 14-12-2020 [2] 15
Huai Nam Chang Chiang Rai 22.39 29-09-2006 [3] 09-02-2021 [4] 15
Huai Saiman Chiang Rai 4.11 23-03-2006 [5] 14-12-2020 [6] 15
Namtok Huai
Mae Sak
Chiang Rai 4.69 08-05-2002 [7] 09-02-2021 [8] 15
Namtok Huai
Tat Thong
Chiang Rai 3.05 10-03-2006 [9] 14-12-2020 [10] 15
Namtok Khun
Nam Yab
Chiang Rai 5.20 10-03-2006 [11] 14-12-2020 [12] 15
Namtok Mae Salong Chiang Rai 3.87 29-09-2006 [13] 14-12-2020 [14] 15
Namtok Si Chomphu Chiang Rai 12.42 23-03-2006 [15] 14-12-2020 [16] 15
Namtok Tat Khwan Chiang Rai 3.92 08-05-2002 [17] 09-02-2021 [18] 15
Namtok Tat Sairung Chiang Rai 6.54   [19] 14-12-2020 [20] 15
Namtok Tat Sawan Chiang Rai 3.10   [21] 14-12-2020 [22] 15
Namtok Wang Than
Thong
Chiang Rai 12.35 15-10-2003 [23] 14-12-2020 [24] 15
Phaya Phiphak Chiang Rai 6.08 04-05-1999 [25] 14-12-2020 [26] 15
San Pha Phaya Phrai Chiang Rai 5.42 20-11-1997 [27] 14-12-2020 [28] 15
Tham Pha Lae Chiang Rai 5.89   [29] 14-12-2020 [30] 15
Doi Wiang Kaeo Lamphun 20.93 01-10-1989 [31] 09-02-2021 [32] 16
Kaeo Komon Mae Hong Son 0.34 16-07-1996 [33] 09-02-2021 [34] 16BR
Mai Sak Yai Mae Hong Son 24.29   [35] 09-02-2021 [36] 16BR
Namtok Huai
Mae Saed
Mae Hong Son 10.68   [37] 14-12-2020 [38] 16BR
Namtok Klo Kho Mae Hong Son 8.91 22-06-2006 [39] 14-12-2020 [40] 16BR
Namtok Mae Sawan
Noi
Mae Hong Son 4.06 23-03-1998 [41] 14-12-2020 [42] 16BR
Namtok Mae
Yuam Luang
Mae Hong Son 1.97   [43] 09-02-2021 [44] 16BR
Namtok Mai Sang
Nam
Mae Hong Son 15.00 22-06-2006 [45] 14-12-2020 [46] 16BR
Pha Hin Tang Mae Hong Son 5.53 13-01-1997 [47] 14-12-2020 [48] 16BR
Tham Tara Lod Mae Hong Son 3.80   [49] 09-02-2021 [50] 16BR
Thung Bua Tong Mae Hong Son 6.24 21-07-1999 [51] 14-12-2020 [52] 16BR
Khao Luang Nakhon Sawan
Uthai Thani
15.20 22-02-1996 [53] 24-12-2020 [54] 12
Tham Phet-
Tham Thong
Nakhon Sawan 7.52 10-01-1997 [55] 14-12-2020 [56] 12
Tham Pha Tub Nan 1.20 01-10-1978 [57] 24-12-2020 [58] 13
Namtok Nam Min Phayao 5.98   [59] 09-02-2021 [60] 15
Rong Kham Luang Phayao 12.34   [61] 14-12-2020 [62] 15
Bueng Sam Phan Phetchabun 9.00 14-08-2014 [63] 14-12-2020 [64] 11
Dong Charoen Phetchabun 15.28 14-08-2014 [65] 09-02-2021 [66] 11
Khao Rang Phetchabun 54.00 07-10-2014 [67] 09-02-2021 [68] 11
Wang Tha Dee Phetchabun 21.23 14-08-2014 [69] 09-02-2021 [70] 11
Nakhon Chai Bowon Phichit 1.83 25-07-1989 [71] 24-12-2020 [72] 12
Doi Mon Kaeo-
Mon Deng
Phrae 0.58   [73] 24-12-2020 [74] 13
Phae Mueang Phi Phrae 0.34 04-03-1981 [75] 24-12-2020 [76] 13
Pha Lak Muen Phrae 6.24   [77] 14-12-2020 [78] 13
Tham Lom-
Tham Wang
Sukhothai 11.75 23-01-1983 [79] 14-12-2020 [80] 14
Namtok Pa La Tha Tak 2.77   [81] 09-02-2021 [82] 14
Phra Tat Huai Luek Tak 4.32   [83] 14-12-2020 [84] 14
Tham Ta Kho Bi Tak 8.91 29-09-2006 [85] 14-12-2020 [86] 14
Huai Khot Uthai Thani 20.64 23-07-2014 [87] 09-02-2021 [88] 12
Tham Khao Wong Uthai Thani 14.40 09-12-2001 [89] 14-12-2020 [90] 12
Huai Nam Lee Uttaradit 17.62 14-08-2014 [91] 14-12-2020 [92] 11
Khao Phlueng-
Ban Dan
Uttaradit 57.84 14-08-2014 [93] 09-02-2021 [94] 11
Namtok Mae Choey Uttaradit 19.60 14-08-2014 [95] 09-02-2021 [96] 11

Not yet published in the Government Gazette[edit]

Name Province Area
(km2)
Date
created
DNP PARO
Cha Phanpee Chiang Rai 1.07 23-03-2006 [97] 15
Doi Kat Pee Chiang Rai 1.32   [98] 15
Doi Phra Bat Chiang Rai 4.80   [99] 15
Mae Salong Chiang Rai 2.27   [100] 15
Namtok Bua Tong-
Namphu Chet Si
Chiang Rai 15.00 10-09-1994 [101] 15
Namtok Don Sila Chiang Rai 4.80 23-03-2006 [102] 15
Namtok Huai Kang Pla Chiang Rai     [103] 15
Namtok Huai Nam Un Chiang Rai 1.08   [104] 15
Namtok Mae Tho Chiang Rai 6.40 09-11-1997 [105] 15
Namtok Mi O Cho Dael Chiang Rai 24.66 23-03-2006 [106] 15
Phu Chi Fa Chiang Rai 4.00 06-02-1998 [107] 15
Phu Chom Dao Chiang Rai     [108] 15
Rim Khong Chiang Rai 6.00   [109] 15
Tham Luang-
Khun Nam Nang Non
Chiang Rai 8.00 01-10-1986 [110] 15
Mon Phraya Chae Lampang 29.73 21-10-1969 [111] 13BR
Phu Langka Phayao 12.48 08-05-2002 [112] 15
Keang Huai Tak Tak 21.00   [113] 14
Namtok Huai Mae Khai Tak 11.20   [114] 14
Ton Sak Yai Uttaradit 35.20 01-10-1969 [115] 13
Wang Yao Uttaradit 9.21 14-08-2014 [116] 13

Northeast[edit]

Name Province Area
(km2)
Date
created
DNP Gazette Page PARO
Phu Sing–
Phu Pha Phueng
Amnat Charoen 24.22 26-08-1996 [117] 24-12-2020 [118] 9
Phu Faek Kalasin 10.65 27-01-1997 [119] 05-01-2021 [120] 8
Phu Pha Wua Kalasin 6.56 20-02-1996 [121] 05-01-2021 [122] 8
Phu Phra Kalasin 15.61 01-10-1983 [123] 05-01-2021 [124] 8
Namtok Ba Luang Khon Kaen 4.10 01-10-1983 [125] 05-01-2021 [126] 8
Phu Han–
Phu Ra-ngam
Khon Kaen 9.98   [127] 05-01-2021 [128] 8
Harirak Loei 9.17 17-09-1990 [129] 05-01-2021 [130] 8
Namtok Huai Lao Loei 2.68 01-09-1997 [131] 24-12-2020 [132] 8
Pha Ngam Loei 21.23 13-05-2002 [133] 05-01-2021 [134] 8
Phu Bo Bit Loei 6.56 10-04-1996 [135] 05-01-2021 [136] 8
Phu Pha Lom Loei 15.61 15-03-1996 [137] 05-01-2021 [138] 8
Tham Saeng
Tham Phrommawat
Loei 21.23 28-04-1988 [139] 05-01-2021 [140] 8
Chi Long Maha Sarakham 0.21 24-04-1982 [141] 24-12-2020 [142] 8
Ko Sam Phi Maha Sarakham 0.28 01-10-1976 [143] 24-12-2020 [144] 8
Dong Bang Yi Mukdahan 3.79 08-08-1995 [145] 05-01-2021 [146] 9
Bua Ban Nong Bua
Lamphu
4.85 25-09-2006 [147] 14-12-2020 [148] 10
Namtok Than Tip Nong Khai 6.14 01-05-1995 [149] 14-12-2020 [150] 10
Phu Pha Daen Sakon Nakhon 44.93   [151] 24-12-2020 [152] 10
Pason Nong Khu Surin 0.67 29-10-1981 [153] 24-12-2020 [154] 9
Phanom Sawai Surin 3.46 22-06-1984 [155] 05-01-2021 [156] 9
Namtok Pha Luang Ubon
Ratchathani
20.79 04-09-1995 [157] 05-01-2021 [158] 9
Namtok Khoi Nang Udon Thani 100.58 19-12-1984 [159] 24-12-2020 [160] 10
Phu Khao
Suan Kwang
Udon Thani 35.98       2006 [161] 09-02-2021 [162] 10
Wang Sam Mo Udon Thani 3.33 19-01-1984 [163] 14-12-2020 [164] 10

Not yet published in the Government Gazette[edit]

Name Province Area
(km2)
Date
created
DNP PARO
Khao Kradong Buri Ram 2.15 01-10-1983 [165] 9
Phu Hin Chom Tat Udon Thani   25-09-2006 [166] 10
Phu Pha Daeng Udon Thani
Nong Bua Lamphu
17.87 03-05-1996 [167] 10
Phu Phra Bat Buabok Udon Thani 11.42 20-02-1996 [168] 10

Central-East[edit]

Name Province Area
(km2)
Date
created
DNP Gazette Page PARO
Khao Laem Sing Chanthaburi 15.49 25-10-1983 [169] 05-01-2021 [170] 2
Namtok Khao Chao
Bo Thong
Chonburi 37.21 02-03-1997 [171] 24-12-2020 [172] 2
Phra Thaen Dong
Rang
Kanchanaburi 2.35 28-10-1982 [173] 24-12-2020 [174] 3
Cha-am Phetchaburi 0.54 04-03-1992 [175] 09-02-2021 [176] 3BR
Khao Nang
Phanthurat
Phetchaburi 3.21 25-02-1999 [177] 05-01-2021 [178] 3BR
Huai Nam Sap Prachuap
Khiri Khan
3.87   [179] 05-01-2021 [180] 3BR
Khao Ta Monglai Prachuap
Khiri Khan
1.36 11-09-1997 [181] 09-02-2021 [182] 3BR
Pran Buri Prachuap
Khiri Khan
1.47 30-09-1982 [183] 09-02-2021 [184] 3BR
Thao Kosa Prachuap
Khiri Khan
0.32 28-07-2000 [185] 09-02-2021 [186] 3BR
Tham Khao Noi Ratchaburi 7.26 15-11-1991 [187] 05-01-2021 [188] 3
Phu Muang Suphan Buri 2.79 26-12-1984 [189] 24-12-2020 [190] 3

Not yet published in the Government Gazette[edit]

Name Province Area
(km2)
Date
created
DNP PARO
Klang Ao Prachuap Khiri khan 2.00 01-10-1974 [191] 3BR
Mae Ramphueng Prachuap Khiri Khan 7.00 16-01-2002 [192] 3BR

South[edit]

Name Province Area
(km2)
Date
created
DNP Gazette Page PARO
Namtok Kapo Chumphon 1.09 01-10-1958 [193] 24-12-2020 [194] 4
Namtok Raman Phang Nga 0.60 24-10-1983 [195] 24-12-2020 [196] 5
Sa Nang Manora Phang Nga 0.38 15-09-1980 [197] 24-12-2020 [198] 5
Mueang Kao
Chai Buri
Phatthalung 2.73 21-08-2001 [199] 24-12-2020 [200] 6
Khuan Khao Wang Songkhla 3.20 12-09-1995 [201] 05-01-2021 [202] 6
Namtok Thara
Sawan
Satun 17.87 23-07-1996 [203] 05-01-2021 [204] 5
Bo Namron
Kantang
Trang 0.52       1967 [205] 24-12-2020 [206] 5
Namtok Phan Trang 12.83 29-09-1997 [207] 05-01-2021 [208] 5

Notes[edit]

PARO: Protected Areas Regional Office is the management area of the following offices:

  • PARO 2 - Si Racha
  • PARO 3 - Ban Pong
  • PARO 4 - Surat Thani
  • PARO 5 - Nakhon Si Thammarat
  • PARO 6 - Songkhla
  • PARO 8 - Khon Kaen
  • PARO 9 - Ubon Ratchathani
  • PARO 10 - Udon Thani
  • PARO 11 - Phitsanulok
  • PARO 12 - Nakhon Sawan
  • PARO 13 - Phrae
  • PARO 14 - Tak
  • PARO 15 - Chiang Rai
  • PARO 16 - Chiang Mai
  • PARO 3 - Phetchaburi Branch
  • PARO 16 - Mae Sariang Branch

Keyword for forest park names:

  • 34x Namtok - waterfall
  • 16x Phu - mountain
  • 10x Tham - cave
  • 8x Khao - Hill/mountain
  • 4x Doi - mountain
  • 4x Huai - creek
  • 3x Pha - cliff
  • 3x Wang - palace
  • 2x Dong - jungle
  • 1x Bo namron - hot spring
  • 1x Bueng - marsh/swamp
  • 1x Khuan - clay hill
  • 1x Namphu - fountain
  • 1x Pa - forest
  • 1x Pason - pine forest
  • 1x Phanom - hill
  • 1x Rong - groove
  • 1x Sa - pool

References[edit]

  1. ^ Natural Forest Management for Biodiversity Conservation in Thailand
  2. ^ "รายชื่ออุทยานแห่งชาติและวนอุทยาน" [List of national parks and forest parks]. Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment (in Thai). 2021. Retrieved November 18, 2021, เกี่ยวกับหนวยงาน - About the agency.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
  3. ^ Thailand’s Experience in Protected Area Management[permanent dead link]