Thailand protects World Heritage status of Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai forest complex

BANGKOK, May 19 (TNA) - Thailand is protecting the World Heritage status of the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai forest complex by having sought effective solutions to illegal logging of rosewood. As the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai forest complex is at risk of losing its World Heritage status due to the rampant illegal logging of rosewood, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, under the Thai Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, is working together with more than 550 soldiers of the 2nd Army Area Command, until September 2014, to set up checkpoints and to intensify patrols to protect the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai forest complex and to crack down illegal logging there. Airborne patrols will also be launched to ensure effective protection. Meanwhile, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Deputy Director-General Nipon Chotibal told journalists on Monday that the World Heritage Centre and foreign television channels have clearly indicated that alien troops were felling rosewood trees and harming forest rangers in Thailand and the illegal logging could cost the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai forest complex its World Heritage status. Nipon insisted that Thai authorities concerned have tried to solve the problem so far and they will attend the World Heritage Centre's upcoming meeting next month, at which they will urge all concerned countries to help suppress the illicit logging and trade of rosewood. (TNA)