A Sustainable Vision For Thailand and Our Region in Hua Hin and Cha Am

[Jonathan Fairfield]

A Sustainable Vision For Thailand and Our Region

CHA AM:-- The Sirindhorn International Environment Park is a significant educational, research and environmental development facility.

But more than that, it provides the opportunity to understand some of the developmental issues facing the Region and Thailand in general. Next year the Park will host an international conference of environmental scientists from around the globe. However it also is a very accessible way for us all to see a slice of the natural wonders of Thailand, both flora and fauna. On our visit to Sirindhorn, it was doing what it does best.

Swarms of visitors; some corporate, some school groups, all eager to experience and learn ‘hands on’ how to be involved in environmental protection and restoration. Apart from the indoor displays featuring non-fossil fueled power sources, waste disposal solutions and water management, visitors were taking part in mangrove planting and the release of baby crabs back into the ocean.

The Park theatre also shows in video form the history, aims and achievement of the Park and the Royal family’s involvement in the project. It’s also worth mentioning that there is an English language dialogue which has been very professionally produced.

Our problem is how to convey the impact that the Park has on its many visitors. The only real answer is we can’t; this can only be realised with a visit. Sirindhorn may primarily be set up for group tours for educational or corporate staff development but anyone is welcome. Perhaps a combination of a visit to the nearby Royal Palace with a pre-arranged tour is the way to go. In our opinion it’s worth mentioning this if you are planning to use one of the touring companies around town. No reason why it can’t be on their schedule We were very fortunate to have available the considerable expertise of two of the park’s champions. Dr Sonjai Havanond is the Deputy Managing Director and Mr Ruud Jansen is a senior consultant. Dr Sonjai is a very passionate environmental campaigner who is also proud of the accomplishments at Sirindhorn. Ruud Jansen has a history of involvement in the management of Holland’s water systems as an expert who has helped keep that country ‘afloat’.

He met the Managing Director of Sirindhorn, Professor Doctor Seree Supratid during a consultative visit to Bangkok when the city was in need of advice about flood management. As a local resident, has been an active volunteer at the park for the past three years. Both our hosts were both very eager to show off Sirnindhorn with a first-hand account of the history and future plans. Our thanks to both the public relations staff and the two resident experts for their warm welcome and enthusiastic efforts towards improving the ecological systems and environmental future of the region.

This really is a world class facility ready to show everyone how to manage a sustainable future. Where: Enter the Rama VI Army Camp off the Cha-Am to Hua Hin highway about 10 kilometres from Cha-Am. Contact: Phone 032 508 405 10, 032 508 352; ask for Khun Numpueng. Website: www.sirindhornpark.or.th

-- Hua Hin Today 2014-09-08