Many species are on the list of nearly-extinct animals of Thailand. The wildlife in this forest create an ecological balance for the area. The hornbill, a rare bird, is an indicator of the state of the forest. The best time to study nature here is from late February to September, when there is little rain.
Yala province borders the Malaysian states of Kedah and Perak. It is the only land-locked province in southern Thailand. The city of Yala was awarded an honorable mention in the UNESCO Cities for Peace Prize, 2002-2003.