Sirindhorn International Environmental Park in Cha Am is trying to save Thailand's environment

In 1994, HRH Princess Sirindhorn planted the first mangrove here. Much needed, because contaminated waste water in combination with silt formation had seriously affected the coast at the Rama 6 army base in Cha Am. And now come and see: mangroves, the nurseries of the sea, are growing like never before.

This is largely due to the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park (SIEP), which has its roots and housing on the military base. If you want to know more about efforts to protect nature sustainably, you should visit here. The park is located between Hua Hin and Cha Am.

First of all, we will visit the reception and exhibition building, where you can, if desired, receive a tour in Dutch from Rudi Jansen, who lives in Cha Am. The complex receives approximately 80.000 visitors annually, of which 40.000 are students, mainly ภาษาไทย.

The foundation costs of 5 million euros were paid by Toyota, Honda and the Thai Ministry of the Environment. Here we not only find large meeting and cinema rooms, but also interesting and interactive displays that tell stories about fossil, wind and solar energy, among other things. Many demonstrations are based on the environmental activities of His Majesty King Bhumibol and his eldest daughter Sirindhorn. All explanations are also in English, so easy to follow. Plants and animals are also cultivated here, which are then released in the adjacent nature reserve. It is remarkable that the covered parking spaces are equipped with solar collectors.

The purpose of the SIEP is to train Thai people in environmental matters and to raise awareness about sustainable living through publications. In addition, the center wants to use ecotourism to make Thai and foreign visitors more and better aware of the loss of the environment.

A tour through the park shows what Sisyphus work has been done here. Everywhere all kinds of mangrove forests, intersected by channels that are connected to the sea. If desired, you can rent a canoe to see the brackish life up close. We reach it via a narrow road beach and a helicopter landing pad. There is a row of beautiful and modern bungalows, which can be rented for 1000 baht per night at the administration of the park. The tenants are right next to the sea and, under the trees of the 'coastal forest', have a life like a louse on a very head (provided they have their own transport) ... Surrounded by thousands of soldiers, it is in any case safe !

As mentioned, 80.000 people visit this learning and training center every year. In fact, it should be 800.000 annually to raise Thai awareness of environmental conservation.