Egco Group showcases natural classroom to promote eco-tourism

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 09, 2023

Using digital technology, the Electricity Generating Public Company (Egco Group) in collaboration with the Thai Conservation of Forest Foundation (TCOF), has improved the Pha Dok Siao nature trail within Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai province.

They have developed interpretive signs along the trail, an online media communication system, and a 360-degree virtual reality video experience.

These enhancements were handed over to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation on November 7, to promote the area as a sustainable cultural and eco-tourism destination.

Thepparat Theppitak, CEO of Egco Group and TCOF Chairman, noted that the development and improvement of the nature study trail to make it robust, safe, inviting, and environmentally friendly so as to create a “natural classroom”, has been one of the key missions of the foundation since 2007.

Credit: Egco Group

Credit: Egco Group

Credit: Egco Group

Pha Dok Siao nature trail is the fourth route that the foundation has improved in the area of Doi Inthanon National Park. The route passes through fertile forest, an agricultural area and the Paganyaw community at Ban Mae Klang Luang village.

“TCOF has improved the route by adhering to several principles: having the least impact on nature, listening to opinions and the participation of various groups, as well as applying the wisdom of the Paganyaw people to the design,” Theparat said.

“Pha Dok Siao can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime, with the hope that tourists and citizens will realise and see the importance of the interdependence between humans and the ecosystem. It will increase awareness of the need to protect and jointly care for natural resources and watershed forests sustainably,” he added.

Credit: Egco Group

Credit: Egco Group

Pha Dok Siao nature trail is approximately 2.6 kilometres long and takes approximately 2-2.5 hours to walk. The condition along the route is characterized by a low-level hill evergreen forest, with Pha Dok Siao Waterfall or Rak Jang Waterfall as the highlights. Along the way, there is also Pha Dok Siao, which is a cliff featuring the Siao Dok Khao tree (mountain ebony tree) that blooms from February to March yearly.

In addition, visitors will find terraced rice fields which are the community’s agricultural area. Mae Klang Luang village lies at the end of the route; here tourists will experience the unique lifestyle and culture of the Paganyaw people.

Egco Group showcases natural classroom to promote eco-tourism