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| Concerns: Thung Yai is inhabited by Karen people who are victims of unjust controversial criticism on wildlife preservation and illegal logging / poaching. As the number of forestry guards allocated to Thung Yai is very low and corruption is probematic in Thailand, wildlife preservation standards are not easily being followed. Thung Yai's location at the Burmese border and therefore military and border police presence just make it even more difficult to safeguard the territory against pouching. A planned road to Umphang has not yet been constructed, though. Nevertheless, off-road tourism activities as well as the lack of control regarding illegal logging and creation of orchards and farming fields have already severly damaged the edges of Thung Yai. So-called ECO Tourism is not always "eco" and the word is only used to attract and mislead tourists. |
| Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary & World Heritage Site |
| Thung Yai |
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| Facts: Established in 1974 Thung Yai Naresuan covers an area of 3200 sqkm and is therefore one of Thailands biggest protected forest areas. The sanctuary features rugged terrain and mountains rising up to 1700m as well as grassland and lower plains. Huay Kha Kaeng Wildlife Sanctuary (2800 sqkm) is located at Thung Yai's northern edge. |
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| Wildlife: Thung Yai and Huay Kha Kaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries are home to many rare mammal and animal species such as tiger, gaur, banteng, bear, possibly rhino and birds such as hornbill, wild ducks, black eagle, vulture and other rare species. Thung Yai's geographical location at the edges of subtropical and tropical climate zones make it an area rich in tree and plant species. Many plants otherwise found either further north or south are jointly found withing Thung Yai Wildlife Sanctuary. |
| Links on Thung Yai: |