Thailand, like many other countries around the world, experiences tension
between the environment and economic expansion. Logging, poaching, and other
environmentally-damaging activities cause Thailand to suffer from large-scale floods
and forest fires, poor air and water quality, and loss of native plant and animal
species. The illegal sale of animal products, for example, has threatened 12% of
Thailand’s vertebrate species (Doll, 1999). Lack of awareness and environmentally
damaging cultural beliefs such as the superstitious use of rare animal parts also
contribute to this problem. With increased educational efforts, open minds, and
support for conservation, many of these issues could begin to disappear.