Mae hong son: The Director-General of the National Parks Department has appointed a new head of the Mae Yuam Right Bank Wildlife Sanctuary, urging them to expedite area organization and upgrade to SMART Patrol measures.
According to Thai News Agency, the Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Mr. Atthapol Charoenchansa, has signed an order appointing Mr. Thep-arun Thongsiri, a forestry expert, as the new head of the sanctuary. The appointment, effective immediately, aims to bolster the protection of watershed forests and biodiversity in Mae Hong Son Province.
The Mae Yuam Right Bank Wildlife Sanctuary holds significant importance for its ecosystem and watershed resources. Proactive management is required to prevent forest encroachment and wildlife poaching while fostering cooperation with local communities to balance conservation efforts with local livelihoods.
Mr. Thep-arun brings expertise in crime prevention, suppression, and information technology to his new role. His experience includes work in legal and prevention matters for the National Park Division and training as a Black Beret Instructor. He is well-versed in the SMART Patrol database system and the application of Geographic Information System (GIS) in forest protection.
His previous roles include assistant head of Salawin National Park and leadership positions at various royal projects and wildlife stations, demonstrating his capability to manage sensitive areas.
The Director-General has tasked Mr. Thep-arun with implementing the SMART Patrol system to enhance patrol efficiency and combat illegal activities related to forestry and wildlife. This initiative also involves leveraging experience from royal projects to foster collaboration with surrounding communities.
The emphasis is on teamwork, staff performance evaluation, and capacity building among personnel to ensure effective protection of natural resources at the sanctuary. This aligns with the main policies of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.