Forestry for community: An analysis of forest policy in Thailan

This study is focused on how Thailand should utilize its forest resources to aid the process of social and economic development more effectively. The study stems from two major problems the country is facing. First, Thailand is one among the countries with the highest rates of forest depletion. Second, the country is facing the problem of high income disparities with the majority being poor. The study concentrates on the forest policies and plans effective during the last twenty five years. The methods of policy analysis and evaluation research are utilized in the process of the study.;An analysis of these policies reveals that the social and economic aspects of the policy are not given sufficient consideration. To achieve a more equitable economic growth, Thailand has to focus more on the issue of how to improve the incomes and quality of life of the small farmers living in a state of shifting cultivation. Any policy aiming to stop the present process of forest destruction cannot succeed without the participation and cooperation of the people who live around the forest. These people, in turn, can participate fully and effectively only if they are assisted in proper measures.;Recommendations are made to improve the future forest policy design, consisting of the reorientation of the policy to strengthen its social and economic roles. Some forestry programs which will increase the benefits accrued to the local communities are also suggested. The Forest Service must also be prepared to establish good rapport with the local villagers before the close collaboration can be obtained.;Finally, the rural population growth has to be slowed down. At the same time, these people must be educated and informed about the contributions that forests can make to their well being so that they would appreciate the existence of the forest and try to create, protect and conserve them.