A prolific conservationist has been named one of the country's most outstanding personalities of 2006.

Pol Sub-Lieutenant Wichai Suriyuth, 60, has claimed the honour for effectively turning his hometown in Si Sa Ket's Prang Ku district into a lush, shady area. To make that happen, he has planted more than two million trees since 1988.

The National Identity Committee has named Wichai the outstanding personality of the year in the field of natural-resource conservation and the environment.

The committee award is just the latest of many honours bestowed on Wichai, who has won many accolades for his altruistic work.

His endeavours have been both physically and mentally demanding. For the first few years, Wichai had to endure the scepticism of local people who viewed him as "odd".

Every morning before 5am, he has gone out with a hoe and seeds. Rain or shine, he planted cassod trees (Khi Lek), golden showers (Khoon), and toddy palms (Ton Taan) along roads and in other public places. He even plants trees on privately owned land, as long as the landlord doesn't mind.

During office hours, he carries out his police duties.

Wichai's tree-growing mission is rooted in his belief that these trees will provide a sustainable future for local residents.

"With trees, I believe local people can enjoy a sustainable economy at home without having to find jobs in big cities," Wichai once said in an interview. Over the long passage of time, local people have seen how they benefited from trees the green-minded officer has planted.

In 2001, Wichai received a certificate of honour from the Supreme Patriarch for his contribution to religion through the environment.

That same year, HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presented him with an award for environmental protection. In 2002, he received a certificate of honour from the Green World Foundation.

The National Identity Committee has been recognising outstanding people and organisations since 1983.

It presents awards in five categories: social development, economic development, natural-resource conservation and the environment, science and technology and the promotion of national prestige.

Recognition is intended to encourage individuals and organisations to pursue their activities and become role models.

This year, outstanding personalities include Prayong Ronnarong in social development, Dr Yongyuth Watcharadul for science and technology and Professor Udom Rungruangsri for his work preserving local dialects.