A Virtual Tour of Central Thailand:

A Webquest for GEOG508

by Russell Vallimont

How can I spend grant money in Thailand?

Work next to the common folk…

Teach ESL in

the Schools…

HeadFor theBeach andBe aTourist

Take up a hobby or take upsomething new …

I think I’ll try something different. I mean, I’d like to do something more than simply be a tourist. I’ve got eight weeks and a grant for Pete’s sake.

I should try to do something that will benefit me in my work, benefit others by my experience, benefit Thailand by activity and maybe even provide a benefit to the humanity for the future.

Whew! That’s a tall order.

Can I do it?

Let’s give it a try…

The Plan

Deforestation in Thailand is putting much of it’s Biodiversity risk from deforestation.

Start with Deforestation in Thailand

Half of all Thailand's natural forests have disappeared in the last 30 years.

Much has been Lost

The primary reason for the deforestation has been the conversion of naturally occurring rain forests into agricultural lands, especially rice paddies.

Much has been Gained

The plant species of Thailand have been well-studied and documented.

There is the Flora of Thailand

However, there are an estimated 87,500 indigenous animal species in Thailand. Of these, only about 20% have been identified.

There is also the Fauna of Thailand

Of all animal species which are identified in Thailand, Half are insects.

Much of which are Insects

In spite of such little knowledge, of those which are identified there are over 1000 plant and animal species that are endangered.

Commemorative StampsRaise awareness of Endangered Species in Thailand

In order to preserve and sustain Thailand’s natural wildlife into the future, it will be necessary in the present to establish abundant Protected Acreage, such as Wildlife Preserves, and National Parks as well as Zoological Gardens . This will enable species protection while new models for co-existence can be found.

The Ecology of Thailand is increasingly becoming that of Rice Paddies

Though Thailand continues to experience serious deforestation, the situation does have room for optimism.

First, substantial forests in Thailand still remain. If new models for the co-existence of natural flora and fauna with agriculture can be found, much progress toward a sustainable future can be achieved.

In addition, much of Thailand’s forests are already used for the harvest of timber, especially Teak wood and tree sap for production of Rubber. These present opportunities to establish new models of economic development and the continuance of natural species.

A Look at Land Use in Thailand

So, my travel expedition will be to visit Central Thailand’s National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries to see their state of affairs. In addition, I’ll visit Central Thailand’s Botanical and Zoological Gardens to see what kinds of research projects are being mounted to preserve Thailand’s natural wildlife in the future.

Erawan National ParkKhao Yai National ParkKo Samet National ParkSam Roi Yot National Park

Places in Central Thailand to Visit

Include:

Bung Boraphet Bird SanctuarySrinakarin Wildlife SanctuaryBung Kremgkawai Wild Life SanctuaryNong Namson Wild Life SanctuaryHuai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary

National Wildlife Sanctuaries of

Thailand

This is a short list of the National Wildlife Sanctuaries existing in Thailand. There are also numerous private efforts.

Zoological Gardens of Thailand

This way I’ll have a believable excuse for requesting grant money, this will enable me to at least feel like I’m working toward a small contribution to improve life in Thailand. In addition, I’ll have some valuable experiences to share in my work back in the US, and perhaps, still have time and opportunity to enjoy some of the night life of Thailand.

Maybe Some Extras After Hours

So my wife and I have a lot of important decisions to make about—

What to wearHow to get aroundWhat we’ll do in our free timeWhat to buy for the kidsAnd very importantWhat to eat!

We have Decisions to Make

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Bang 78.6 81.7 84.6 86.2 85.3 84.2 83.3 83.1 82.6 81.9 80.2 77.9 82.6

0.4 1.1 1.2 2.8 7.5 6.0 6.2 7.4 12.6 9.1 2.3 0.4 57.8

Chic22.5 27.0 38.1 49.6 60.4 70.3 75.0 73.4 65.8 54.1 41.4 28.2 50.4

1.9 1.6 2.8 3.8 3.2 4.1 4.0 3.5 3.1 2.7 2.9 2.6 36

Miami75.2 75.6 78.4 81.7 84.7 87.3 88.5 89.1 88.2 85.1 81.0 76.8 82.6

1.7 2.0 2.8 2.6 4.4 8.9 8.1 6.0 6.2 5.1 1.5 1.3 50.6

The best time to visit is between November and the following April. The rainy season is May through October.

When traveling, wear clothing that is light, loose fitting and dries quickly and easily; synthetic fibers or silk recommended.

Shorts, shirt and sandals are common, but many establishments desire slacks, shoes and long sleeve shirts.

Air conditioning is available but not as common as is found in the US.

It will be important to go in good weather and dress comfortably…

There are many ways to get around in Thailand, buses, taxis, trains, Microbuses (air conditioned vehicle that holds about 30 people), Tuk-Tuk’s and Boats (a three wheeled vehicle which is very convenient for city transport) and bicycles—all of which my wife and I will need.

To Find Good Transportation

Because in Thailand there is night life…

And then there’s nightlife

To Find Good Nightlife

In Thailand, there’s shopping…

And then there’s Shopping.

To find Good Shopping

Because, in Thailand there is eating…

And to Find Good Food

There is more eating…

Barbecued Rat Delectable Street Food

Puffer FishSix Legged Critters

Then there’s really eating.

But the Business of Our Tour Starts with Finding Endangered Thailand

Sam Roi Yot National Park in Prachuap Khiri Khan province provided major settings for the award-winning movie The Killing Fields. A multipeaked, thinly forested limestone mass rises majestically from coastal marshes that host numerous waterfowl species. Caves, islands, fine beaches and frequently seen wildlife comprise major attractions.

Sam Roi Yot National Park

Pangolin—cuddly and scaly

Fishing Cat—rare anomaly

Wildlife of SamRoi Yot N.P.

Mongoose—lightening in fur

Cobra—scaly but not cuddly

Wildlife of Sam

Roi Yot NP

Loris—primate and human cousin

Serow—if looks like a goat, and smells like a goat, it’s probably a Serow

Wildlife of Sam Roi Yot N.P.

Khao Yai National Park lies some 200 kilometres northeast of Bangkok, covers more than 540,000 acres, has an average elevation of 800 meters and a highest peak of 1,351 meters. The park supports elephants. tigers, bears, giant hornbills and other protected wildlife, countless species of wild flowers, trees and spectacular waterfalls.

Khao Yai Nation Park

Barking Deer—would he fool a cat?

Civet—cousin of the cat

Wildlife of Khao Yai N.P.

Gold Gibbon—morning callers

Guar—the genuine animal, not the computer game substitute

Wildlife of Khao Yai N.P.

Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi province is extremely popular. The mountainside forest setting contains the seven-tiered Erawan Waterfall, widely regarded as one of Thailand's loveliest cascades.

Erawan National ParkThe Jewel

Asian Elephant—the ultimate beast of burden

Tigers—rare but alive

Wildlife of Erawan N.P.

Black Gibbon—more howling

Langur—lookin’ smarter than me!

Wildlife of Erawan N.P.

Wild Boar—fast and mean

Sambar Deer—hesitant and shy

Wildlife of Erawan N.P.

Ko Samet in Rayong province is the focal point of a Marine National Park. The narrow, 6 kilometer long island numbers among Thailand's most beautiful islands and is fringed by splendid beaches, dazzling coral reefs and limpid waters ideal for snorkelling and scuba-diving.

Ko Samet

National Park

Golden Tree Frog—gold in the trees

Painted Bull Frog—color on the floor

Wildlife of Ko

Samet N.P.

Fruit Bat—just hangin’ around

Fruit Bar—also known as a Flying Fox

Wildlife of Ko Samet N.P.

Tree Shrew—life in the night

Macaque—with this kind of pose, what’s that about?

Wildlife of Ko Samet N.P.

Black Winged Stilt—prowling for a meal

Plover—disagreement with a crab

Wildlife of Ko Samet N.P.

Conclusion

My plan was to do something that will (a)benefit me my work(b)benefit others by my experience, (c)benefit Thailand by my activity and maybe even (d)provide a benefit to the humanity for the future.I just may have gotten of onthe right foot…

Bibliography

www.thailandlife.comwww.tourismthailand.orgwww.thailand-travelsearch.comwww.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/thwww.thaistudents.comwww.topthaisites.com< www.athailand.com/ >www.bangkokpost.netwww.nationalmultimedia.comwww.mahido.ac.th/thailand/thailand< www.kingdom-of-thailand.com/buddhism.htm >< www.asiatour.com/thailand/content1 >< www.visit-thailand.info/index >< http://www.thailandguidebook.com/ >< www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g293916-Activities-Bangkok ><www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/nationalpark.asp?lg=2 >