Event Details

Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) delivers programs to support learning and natural resource conservation, and a beginner hiking school on the Khao Yai-Kaeng Yao trail.

Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), in collaboration with Khao Yai National Park, Klong Pla Kang Community, Wang Mi Subdistrict Administrative Organization, and the Trekking School, with support from the Canadian Embassy through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), held a handover ceremony of “Development of Khao Yai Biodiversity & Conservation Learning and Training Program for Visitors and Guides at Klong Pla Kang Thailand-Canada Friendship Trail.” The ceremony was presided over by H.E. Ms. Ping Kitnikone, Canadian Ambassador to Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos; Mr. Somkiat Wiriyakulnan, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima Province; Ms. Yameera Nunla, Head of Khao Yai National Park Management Area 2; and Asst. Prof. Dr. Mallika Sangsanit, SUT Vice President for Public Relations, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, also presided over the handover ceremony. Heads of government and private agencies also attended the ceremony. Local communities, including Mr. Chanbanlue Wattanaphan, Director of Tourism and Sports of Nakhon Ratchasima Province; Ms. Rungthip Bukkhuntod, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Nakhon Ratchasima Office; Mr. Thammathat Thongsamrong, District Chief of Wang Nam Khiao; Dr. Phrueti Kerdchuchuen, Khao Yai National Park Executive Committee; Mr. Panchana Wattanasathian, President of the Khao Yai Tourism Association; along with community enterprise groups, research groups, and university executives, attended the event on June 10, 2025, at the National Park Protection Unit Khon Kaen 4 (Khlong Pla Kang), Wang Nam Khiao District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

This handover follows the development of the 2-kilometer "Klong Plakang Thailand-Canada Friendship Trail," launched in July 2023 to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Canada. It is Thailand's first Smart Trail and aims to raise awareness of sustainable ecotourism development through the participation of local communities, Khao Yai National Park, the private sector (Trekking School), and Suranaree University of Technology. The initiative includes the development of a training program for guiding and lecturing on the "Klong Plakang Thailand-Canada Friendship Trail." Phase two of the project includes a program to support learning and natural resource conservation, focusing on training guides for nature trails. This program, founded by the "Khao Yai-Kaeng Yao Beginner's Trail Trekking School," has already welcomed students and has conducted four cohorts of activities promoting plant and wildlife learning. This program also includes binocular and telescope training for birdwatching and wildlife viewing for communities and park officials, a tourism management program, and the development of community-based nature tourism services. This includes organizing educational exhibitions on the biodiversity of plants and animals in the Khao Yai National Park Ranger Unit 4 (Khlong Pla Kang). Since its opening, the route has welcomed more than 2,000 tourists, generating income for families in four nearby villages. It has also raised awareness among locals and youth about biodiversity, which will benefit conservation and the livelihoods of local people. All activities are open to community representatives, who participate in management, leading to the development of sustainable ecotourism.

Event Gallery

Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) delivers programs to support learning and natural resource conservation, and a beginner hiking school on the Khao Yai-Kaeng Yao trail.