Kaeng Krachan race route revised over environmental concerns

Organisers of the Kaeng Krachan trail race have agreed to revise the route following opposition from environmental groups and academics concerned about the impact on the national park's fragile ecosystem.

The planned event is advertised for Nov 1, with the catch-cry "Running for Thailand's World Heritage Forest". There are four categories - a 5 kilometre "fun run", and three "trail races" over 10, 23 and 33 kilometres. 

WILD RACE, the event organiser, held an online meeting on Monday with representatives of the National Parks Association, Kaeng Krachan National Park, the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Phetchaburi office, Protected Areas Regional Office 3 (Phetchaburi branch), the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation and academics to discuss the event's arrangements.

Members of the public who had submitted a petition to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment were given the opportunity to present their views first. Most participants called for the route to be changed.

The organiser acknowledged concerns raised by environmental academics and civil society networks. The meeting agreed to abandon the proposed 33-kilometre Ban Krang-Phanoen Thung route and consider alternative trails.

Six options were proposed for further consideration: Sam Yot-Ban Krang; Ma Reo-Pong Luek; the national park headquarters-Sam Yot; the national park headquarters-Yang Chum Reservoir; Phu Bon-Khao Dok Mai; and Sam Yot-Pa Deng.

The Sam Yot-Ban Krang option received little support, while the routes linking the park headquarters with Sam Yot and Yang Chum Reservoir, as well as the Phu Bon-Khao Dok Mai route, received majority backing.

The alternatives will be submitted to the Kaeng Krachan National Park Advisory Committee and the Protected Areas Regional Office 3's Phetchaburi branch for further consideration.

The event was originally scheduled for Nov 1, with the Ban Krang-Huai Khom Krit route initially planned. Organisers subsequently changed it to the Ban Krang-Phanoen Thung route, but the revised plan also drew opposition over concerns that runners could disturb wildlife and damage a particularly fragile natural environment.

Phanudet Kerdmali, chairman of the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation, welcomed the decision, thanking the National Parks Association and the organisers for listening to scientific concerns raised by various groups opposing the proposed route.

He said the alternative routes would need to be assessed before a final decision was made.

Mr Phanudet also urged the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to review events of this nature in ecologically sensitive areas and other protected zones.

Academics specialising in national park management shared similar concerns, arguing that the Ban Krang-Phanoen Thung route should not be used because of the area's ecological sensitivity.

They said that, although existing regulations might allow such activities to be authorised, decisions should be made with great care. Thailand has only a limited number of remaining forest areas with rich ecosystems and minimal human disturbance, they said, warning against allowing activities that could disrupt these natural environments.