Reopening Tak road would devastate Western Forest Complex

This is yet another eco-disaster for the Western Forest Complex (WFC) that straddles Thailand and Myanmar. The other is the proposed route from Kanchanaburi to Myanmar.
Both these routes will cut through the east of the forest complex, causing untold damage to the ecosystem there.
The WFC is the last bastion of real tropical forest bio-systems in the region. Apart from tigers, it is also home to many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna.
The proposed route was dismantled several years back due to ecological concerns. It seems that it is the norm for financial interests to try and resurrect discredited projects purely on financial grounds.
The claim is that it will “improve” the economy of Umphang in Trat province. However, the writer totally ignores the late King’s theories of “sustainability” and pursues only the interests of business – most of which will come from outside the region.
In reality one of Umphang’s greatest assets is its isolation and wildlife. This is what draws in the tourists and this is what will be damaged or destroyed by the reopening of this road.
What Umphang and its environs actually need is a modern pro-active approach to tourism in the area. Proper management of tourism within the forests, planned accommodation and infrastructure and a concerted aim to preserve the natural beauty of the place.
The reopening of the old military road will threaten everything that Umphang has going for it.
Wil Ko