Thailand - Country Profile

Status and Trends of Biodiversity

Overview

Thailand is one of the richest biodiversity countries in Southeast Asia. The country lies within two major biogeographical regions, the Indochinese region in the North and the Sundiac region in the South. These have resulted in six distinct biogeographical regions. The biodiversity of these regions accounts for 8-10% of plant and animal varieties in the world... More »

Number and Extent of Protected Areas

Thailand hosts 409 protected areas: 27 marine national parks, 10 Ramsar sites, 2 World Heritage sites and 4 biosphere reserves. The percentage of protected areas accounts for 20% of the total land area.

Percentage of Forest Cover

The total forest area (2000) is 14,762,000 ha, with 9,842,000 ha of natural forest and 4,920,000 ha of plantations accounting for 29% of the total land area.

National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan

Major features of National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

This document contains 7 strategies and 14 expected outputs. These strategies include: enhancing biodiversity awareness and knowledge; institutional capacity building; strengthening capacities; increasing efficiency in conservation and sustainable use; controlling, regulating and reducing threats to biodiversity; providing incentives and encouraging public participation; and promoting international cooperation... More »

Implementation of the Convention

Measures Taken to Achieve the 2010 Target

Thailand has undertaken effective activities and projects on biodiversity. These activities were given more emphasis right after the ratification of the Convention and when it entered into force in 2004. However, the project related to the 2010 target has not yet been launched officially. However many on–going projects undertaken by concerned agencies, private sectors and NGO’s can be counted as the projects aiming towards the 2010 target... More »

Initiatives in Protected Areas

Thailand has set up 25% of total land area as a target for protected areas. By now the protected areas have covered almost 20% of the total land area of the country. A national review is to be undertaken for establishing a national system of protected areas. In recent years more mangrove protected areas and national parks for forest management have been established... More »

Initiatives in Access and Benefit Sharing

A Biodiversity Bureau serves as a national focal point for access and transfer of biological resources. A number of subcommittees, ministerial biodiversity committees and sectoral committees are to be established for facilitating access and benefit sharing in relevant sectors. Draft National Regulation on Criteria and Method for Access and Benefit Sharing of Biological Resources has been finalized and is waiting for approval... More »

Initiatives for Article 8(j)

Many departments, institutions and organizations in Thailand have emphasized community empowerment. Community Organization Development Institution (CODI) is the leading agency to promote and mobilize capacity building or empowering of indigenous and local communities. CODI has developed a tool for strengthening local capacities, called “community mapping”... More »

National Contacts

Full details of national contacts »

Convention on Biological Diversity

Ms. Patama Domrongphol	CBD Primary NFP, SBSTTA NFP
Ms. Benjamaporn Wattanatongchai	GTI NFP, GSPC NFP
Ms. Sirirat Warongkachart	GTI NFP, GSPC NFP
Ms Sommawan Sukprasert	ICNP ABS NFP
Mr. Chatchai Silpasoonthorn	CHM NFP
Mr. Panuwat Kamuttachart	SBSTTA NFP
Mrs. Pattarin Sanghaisuk	ICNP ABS NFP

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

Ms. Dalad Senthong	BCH NFP
Ms. Praopan Tongsom	Cartagena Protocol Primary NFP