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Published on July 15, 2007

Surayud said he had not yet received reports on the construction of a road linking Khao Yai and Thab Lan forest lands to function as a migration path for wildlife, or the Irrigation Department's plan to build a big reservoir in Khao Yai National Park.

However such projects "would not be easy" and must be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration first because they were on land that was part of the world's heritage and Thailand's forest preserves, he added.

Presiding over the second anniversary of the United Nation's declaration of the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex as a world heritage site, Surayud unveiled the "World Heritage" sign specially made to celebrate His Majesty the King's 80th birthday at the national park office in Pak Chong district.

He said the government would fund research projects to study and protect the heritage site for the enjoyment and fulfilment of future generations.

He said Thais were considered fortunate for living in a country rich in natural resources, and he would like them to help conserve them so they would last.

Thailand had stressed economic development during the past 10 years and people had been indulging in wasteful consumption.

The country's once vast forest, mineral and marine resources had dwindled considerably and the natural equilibrium had become unbalanced.

With reduced forest areas and degraded ecosystems came terrible consequences such as floods, drought and other environmental disasters.

Surayud suggested people live according to His Majesty's sufficiency economy principles, shun extravagance and work together to preserve the country's natural wealth for generations to come.