However, within 30 years of that, the Huai Sai area was severely exploited. The ecological system quickly deteriorated. The land became arid and barren because topsoil was completely eroded.
On 5 April 1983, King Bhumibol visited the site. Seeing the damaged conditions of the land, His Majesty made a comment for the development of this area as follows, "If we leave this area alone, it will become a desert." Realizing that cultivation would become unproductive because of that alarming situation, His Majesty initiated the establishment of the Huai Sai Royal Development Study Centre.
The centre now serves as a venue for research and development in reforestation and agricultural production to meet the needs of the local people.