Wildlife
Thailand has 127 national parks, 22 of which are marine. Each Thai national park is home to a unique biodiversity, from the temperate forests of the northern mountains to the vast plains of the central region and the mangroves of the southern coast. It's here that you can observe wild animals, contemplate luxuriant nature and admire awe-inspiring landscapes.
There are over 285 different mammal species and 1,071 different bird species, both native and migratory, as well as a dazzling array of aquatic fauna. If the elephant is the national animal, the Siamese fireback is the national bird. The Thais used to use the water buffalo for field work, but since the 1980s it has been gradually replaced by machines. Elephants used to work in the logging industry, which was banned in 1989. Deforestation has led to the disappearance of species such as the rhinoceros and the tapir. Marine fauna has suffered enormously from intensive fishing.
Among the remarkable animals that can be observed in their natural habitat: tigers, elephants, bears, monkeys (gibbons, macaques), pangolins, crocodiles, monitor lizards, snakes (Royal Cobra, Malayan Viper, reticulated python)... And among the birds, thehornbill and kingfisher, among others. For divers, a wide variety of fish, as well as dolphins, manta rays, whale sharks... Several endemic or endangered species inhabit these parks, such as the clouded leopard, the marbled cat, the grey goral, the antigone crane, the leatherback turtle, the whale shark, or the dugong... These species are extremely rare, and spotting one of these specimens is almost a miracle. A wide variety of spiders have been recorded: Black Widow, Tarantula, Sparassidae, Salticidae... Finally, insects are present in large numbers on the territory. Mosquitoes, of course, but also beetles, ants, scorpions, crickets... Silkworms have contributed to the success of the silk industry, which is very present in the country, particularly in the north (Chiang Mai and Isaan regions). You'll often find all these insects on... market stalls! In fact, while they are a choice food for reptiles such as monitor lizards, many Thais are also fond of these delicacies.
But the animal you're most likely to encounter on a daily basis is the gecko! These small lizards eat insects and, in particular, mosquitoes... The gecko's body is no bigger than a finger, and its transparent skin reveals all its veins. Not to be confused with its cousin the toukey, apparently more shy. These friendly little creatures can be found hiding in every home: in the evening, they can be seen all over the walls and up to the ceiling. They keep a discreet lookout and occasionally gobble up an insect attracted by the light of a light bulb.
Flora
Just over thirty years ago, the forest still covered more than half the country. Today, it extends to 25% of the territory, which is insufficient for the self-maintenance of its ecosystem. The first nature park was opened in 1962 (Khao Yai), and there are now well over a hundred parks covering some 45,000 km². This increase has been accompanied by a real rise in ecological awareness on the part of the public authorities, who have increased legal logging areas from 4,800 to 380 km² per year.
Thailand's vegetation is varied, and can be classified into forest types whose specific features vary according to humidity levels, temperatures and altitudes. As in other Southeast Asian countries, bamboo, palms, rattan and many types of fern are found. The country boasts over 25,000 species of flowers.
The Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is one of the country's most beloved flowers, and for good reason: it is a symbol of purity in Buddhism. It can be found in many temples, on murals, as an ornament, and so on. In its natural state, it can be found in many parts of Thailand, notably in the northeast, but if you want to rediscover the magic of lotus fields, the Thale Noi waterfowl reserve, near Phatthalung in the south of the country, is the place to go.
The porcelain rose (Etlingera elatior) is one of the most surprising tropical flowers. It looks like a scarlet artichoke.
Bougainvillea can be found all over the country, adding touches of color ranging from pink to deep purple.
The bird of paradise (Heliconia rostrata) has a surprising structure, its flowers, usually red and yellow, falling on either side of the stem.
But also the orchid, the frangipani..
In short, a trip to the Land of Smiles would not be complete without at least one visit to one of the many natural parks in the former kingdom of Siam. To visit these reserves, many agencies offer packages, from the nearest town, but also from much further afield. For example, you can book tours from Bangkok to just about anywhere! Prices vary according to the type of tour you choose (private or group, with or without a guide, etc.), and often include the park entrance fee.
Current issues
Ecological education is not a priority in Thailand, and observing certain specimens is becoming difficult, even for scientists. If this continues, we'll have to make do with going to the zoo to discover Thailand's "wild" fauna. And even in zoos elsewhere, the animals are not left alone: real circus acts are organized to attract customers. All we can hope for now is that this country really does give itself the means to ensure that the protection of endangered species is respected, in accordance with the laws in force.
Exploited elephants. If you see one of these young pachyderms wandering around with its ragged master, don't be surprised. They are sometimes seen in big cities, but more so in Bangkok. Many of these elephants go mad, when they're not seriously injured by a car. Misery and stupidity combined: a real scandal! However, many tourist agencies and elephant sanctuaries have changed their offers. From now on, most sanctuaries recover, care for and look after these elephants, and offer visitors the opportunity not to ride them, but to spend the day in their company, feeding, brushing and washing them..
Tigers on drugs. This used to be the big attraction at certain temples: approaching and being photographed with felines, supposedly drugged to be harmless. The most famous of these is Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua, in Kanchanaburi, nicknamed the "Tiger Temple". Suspicions and accusations of mistreatment have prompted the government to confiscate the tigers and gradually reintroduce them into the national parks. In mid-September 2019, a blood-curdling news item revealed that 86 of the 147 tigers at the temple had died, probably as a result of inbreeding. The temple was breeding tigers, and baby tigers were even found in the freezers... The temple is suspected of breeding felines to sell them on the black market, particularly in China, where prices are soaring..
Stray crocodiles. Every year, the floods of September and October are the occasion for a flurry of articles on crocodile farms. There are over 100,000 crocodiles in Thailand. The center of the country alone is home to over 55,000 freshwater and saltwater specimens, housed in the towns and villages along the Chao Phraya River (in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Thong, Nonthaburi or Prathum Thani). The "price of danger" is 8,000 baht for a 2-month-old, and over 140,000 baht for a 15-year-old adult (4 m long!). Prices have plummeted in recent years, mainly due to competition from neighboring countries. Unloved and overpriced, the little creatures take advantage of floods to leave their pond. Watch your calves if such an incident ever happens again!
Water buffalo. You'll find it increasingly difficult to come across this large bovine in a field, once an inseparable companion of Thai farmers, domesticated over 5,000 years ago in Southeast Asia. There are several reasons for this rarefaction. The Asian buffalo is gradually being replaced by cheaper, more "maneuverable" mechanical implements that, unlike the buffalo, require no special maintenance. Fields of sugar cane, rubber or manioc have gradually replaced less profitable rice fields, and farmers are simply fewer and fewer. Little by little, like the elephant, the water buffalo is disappearing from the world of agriculture and entering the world of tourism. It parades and transports holidaymakers on carts, thus justifying its existence. It's also a way of escaping the mass slaughter of this animal, which costs less per kilo than beef. Most of the beef balls you'll find on skewers or in soups at street markets are made from the meat of this majestic animal..
