Blogs from Kaeng Krachan NP, Western Thailand, Thailand, Asia

We arrived in Thailand caked in dust and mud, with Robin half blind. The Thai border post was the smartest building we had seen in ages, covered in portraits of the Thai King and the Red, White and Blue flag. We would soon learn these are omnipresent. Everything was just so much cleaner and tidier than Cambodia, something we felt highly conscious of as we stood stinking and covered mud in a queue of smart, clean, and perfumed backpackers to clear immigration. Our bikes looked little better than us and about 2km into the country Erika's chain broke in protest. We felt it was trying to tell us something. That fixed we dived into the Market Motel, Aranyaprathet and headed for their swimming pool. We were going to like Thailand, there was so much more stuff ... read more

You may remember my previous visit to this remote Karien Village on the border of Mynamar (Burma). Last time, I was only there for a few hours. This time I had permission to stay for 5 days, in order to find out more about what is needed here, & to write up a volunteer specification for future volunteers. I also had the chance to get involved with a lesson at the local school. The WWF are working with the local population to educate them about conservation. There is a big problem here as they slash & burn the rain forest to make way for their crops. They are also close to the habitat to the last surviving Siamese Crocodile population in Thailand (which is something I had at the back of my mind when showering in ... read more

We got up early today after sampling Tongbai's herbal whisky last night. It's market day in 1 of the local villages. Have a look at the pictures & soak up the atomosphere.... read more

Yesterday I returned to the WWF office to start where I finished up last time. There are 2 new members of staff here, Pom & Bill. They will be a big asset to the great work carried out here by the WWF Team. The plan for this week is to go to Pala-u to work with the WCS (World Conservation Society) to look at the man Elephant conflict there; (2 weeks ago the Elephants raided the villagers pineapple crops). My main objectives here are to draw up a specification for future volunteers here, and to see all aspects of the conflict from both the villagers, and the Elephants point of view. The local WCS officer for this area, Thongbai, has some really good ideas for resolving this problem once & for all. It will involve an ... read more

I have just returned from a 2 day expedition, deep into the rain forest, which proved to be both exiting & very frightening!... read more