RESEARCH BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE
ong Phaya Yen – Khao Yai Forest Complex has been inscribed as Thailand’s National World
Heritage Site where there are plenty of natural resources, forest and wildlife, and a variety of
biological life. It is an important and well-known destination for Thai and foreign tourists. It is
comprised of four national parks - Khao Yai National Park, Thap Lan National Park, Pang Sida National Park, and
Ta Phraya National Park - and Dongyai Wildlife Sanctuary (Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant
Convention (DNP) 2552.
Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex is a natural treasure for all biological lives, not only wild
animals. If forests are destroyed, the ecological system will be affected and the wealth of surrounding communities
will be destroyed (industry, agriculture, and tourism). Nowadays, Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex is
under the supervision of the government alone. Furthermore, it faces various problems, such as hunting, cutting
wood, forest invasion from people who lack environmental concerns and are ignorant of the values of this forest
complex.
Researchers become aware of the importance of these problems which need to be resolved rapidly. In
addition, it is essential to have full cooperation from multiple stakeholders (government, community and others) in
developing green, sustainable tourism in the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex for the next generation.