Weraya O-chakull: A woman in a man's world

This is a man's world, sings James Brown and that certainly applies to the Department of National Parks, Wildife and Plant Conservation. There is one exception: the head of the Thung Yai Naresuan game reserve in Kanchanaburi is a woman: 43-year-old Weraya O-chakull. She is in charge of XNUMX rangers who protect an area of ​​XNUMX million rai against poachers and illegal logging.

It was not all smooth sailing. She gained respect because she went on patrol like the men, manned checkpoints and proved herself to be equally physically strong. Moreover, she immersed herself in the legislation, so that she can assist them in court cases. But at the same time she was careful not to neglect her softer 'feminine qualities', such as the willingness to compromise.

It all started when a student mentor advised her to study forestry at Kasetsart University. After graduating, she moved to Phu Kradung National Park where she worked in the visitor center for 2 years.

In one of her next jobs, in Huay Kha Khaeng game reserve, she was now 30 years old, and she heard the story of conservationist Sueb Nakhasathien. A passionate man, who held the same position that she now occupies. Thanks to his efforts, the Thung Yai Naresuan and Huai Kha Kaeng Game Reserves gained Unesco World Heritage status in 1991.

Sueb successfully campaigned against the construction of a 1987 megawatt dam on the reserve in 580. In September 1990, he killed himself after two of his forest rangers were shot by poachers. Frustrations probably also played a role in his efforts to protect the pristine environment.

In another game reserve, Phu Mieng Phu Thong, Weraya worked for four years. She made fifty arrests, an absolute record number in the service. Her unbridled efforts against poaching earned her a death threat, after which her superiors thought it wise to transfer her to the Northeast. After 18 months, another game reserve and a managerial position at a regional office followed.

In 2008, she started as assistant head of Thung Yai Naresuan and now works there as head. Sueb is her role model. Weraya considers it a great honor to follow in his footsteps. But that also creates obligations. "Sueb was a real thinker," she says. 'Extremely determined. He worked very hard. What I do may not be at the same level, but I try to do my best.'

(Source: Spectrum, Bangkok Post, September 1, 2013)

Photos: Thung Yai chief Weraya O-chakull at the Nam Chone rapids, where once a giant dam should have been built.