Sompoch Maneerat, the department&#39;s spokesman, said it would hold two training programs for local people and rangers to work together with the same goal.&nbsp; 
The project was initiated last year with the opening of the department at Pracharat Pithak Pa Institute in Phrae province.&nbsp; 
The first program was held last year and two more are planned for this year.&nbsp; 
The institute will also hold nine partrol training programs for rangers so they are better equipped with high technology, he said. Advanced investigation and defence techniques will be included.&nbsp; 
The department has dealt with an increase in crime in recent years as criminals have become more sophisticated and better armed.

Locals and rangers unite in efforts to protect forests

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation has joined with locals to better protect forests through a new project called "Pracharat Pithak Pa", or the people-state protecting the forest.