Small Houses in the Big Forest Project (Khlong Lan Project), Kamphaeng Phet Province. The Small Houses in the Big Forest Project, also known as the Khlong Lan Project in Kamphaeng Phet Province, is an important royal initiative aimed at improving the quality of life for hill tribe communities while conserving natural resources and promoting eco-tourism. Her Majesty the Queen graciously conceived the project on February 21, 1994, in collaboration with Mr. Phong Leng-yee, Director-General of the Royal Forest Department; General Yingyos Chotimai, Commander of the Third Army Region; and Mr. Siwa Sangmanee, Governor of Kamphaeng Phet Province. The project was designed to provide farmland for the Mae Phuet villagers and the Fourth Plot villagers, who had previously lived within the Khlong Lan and Mae Wong National Parks, allocating five rai (approximately 0.8 hectares) per family to ensure food security and sustainable livelihoods for the hill tribes.

 

The project has a clear and comprehensive community development approach. For men, the main occupation involves reforestation and forest management. This work not only generates income but also helps maintain ecological balance and conserve natural resources for the long term. Women in the hill tribe communities are encouraged to develop skills in handicrafts, such as silverwork, embroidery, and basket weaving. These crafts provide a source of income while preserving local art, culture, and traditional knowledge with historical and cultural value.

 

The areas developed under the Small Houses in the Big Forest Project are also designed as eco-tourism destinations. Visitors can learn about the daily lives of hill tribe communities, experience pristine natural surroundings, and purchase local products or handicrafts made by the villagers, including silver items, woven products, and other crafts. Eco-tourism not only generates income for the community but also strengthens local economic resilience and raises awareness among visitors about the importance of conserving natural resources.

 

The project has had clear positive social impacts. By allocating farmland and creating gender-appropriate occupations, families gain economic stability and improved living standards. Promoting handicrafts and eco-tourism ensures that local knowledge and traditions are preserved and passed down to future generations. Communities benefiting from the Small Houses in the Big Forest Project are able to be self-reliant and live in accordance with the sufficiency economy philosophy, reflecting the royal initiative to strengthen rural communities.

 

The project also fosters a balance between community development and environmental conservation. Reforestation and forest management help restore ecosystems and maintain natural balance. Tourists visiting the area can enjoy lush forests and learn sustainable living practices. Developing eco-tourism not only provides income for the community but also raises environmental awareness and highlights the importance of conservation.

 

Communities involved in the project learn sustainable natural resource management. Reforestation and forest preservation not only provide income but also help prevent natural disasters such as landslides, flash floods, and soil erosion. Promoting handicrafts and eco-tourism also fosters pride in local culture and strengthens community identity.

 

The results of the Small Houses in the Big Forest Project demonstrate success in multiple aspects—economic, social, cultural, and environmental. Villagers can enjoy a better quality of life, stable occupations, and incomes while preserving traditional knowledge and cultural heritage. Developing eco-tourism makes the area a destination for those interested in hill tribe lifestyles and the natural beauty of Kamphaeng Phet Province.

 

The Small Houses in the Big Forest Project (Khlong Lan Project) is thus an exemplary model of sustainable community development. It integrates improving quality of life, generating income through occupations and handicrafts, conserving natural resources, and promoting cultural eco-tourism. The project strengthens communities, enabling self-reliance, improved living standards, and the preservation of culture and nature for future generations.

 

This project clearly demonstrates how social, economic, and environmental development can be balanced. By providing farmland, developing professional skills, and promoting handicrafts and eco-tourism, it generates income for the community and fosters sustainable environmental awareness. For those interested in learning about hill tribe lifestyles and experiencing the abundance of nature, the Small Houses in the Big Forest Project in Kamphaeng Phet is a significant and valuable destination for cultural and conservation-based tourism.