Thung Yai Naresuan Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Thailand’s most important natural World Heritage sites, located in the western region of the country, spanning Uthai Thani, Tak, and Kanchanaburi provinces near the border with Myanmar. Covering an area of 622,200 hectares, it is the largest wildlife sanctuary in the Indochina Peninsula and considered the most remote and least disturbed forest area in Thailand. The sanctuary is home to approximately 77 percent of the region’s large mammals, especially elephants and tigers, 50 percent of large bird species, and 33 percent of terrestrial vertebrates, all of which can be found within this World Heritage site.

 

Thung Yai Wildlife Sanctuary covers about 3,647 square kilometers in Tak and Kanchanaburi provinces and is the source of important rivers such as the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai Rivers, which support an abundant ecosystem and biodiversity. Meanwhile, Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Uthai Thani province and covering approximately 2,575 square kilometers, features a highly diverse range of forests, including dry evergreen forest, hill evergreen forest, grasslands, mixed deciduous forest, and teak forest. This diversity supports a wide variety of plant and animal species, some of which are rare or near extinction, such as wild buffalo, leopards, serows, dholes, junglefowl, and the Thai peacock, along with numerous insect species.

 

Thung Yai–Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries were designated as a natural World Heritage site in 1991 during the 15th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Carthage, Tunisia. The designation met several criteria, including the site’s exceptional natural beauty and rarity, its representation of significant geological and biological processes, and its role as a habitat for rare or endangered species. This registration occurred alongside the historical cities of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, making it Thailand’s first natural World Heritage site.

 

Because it is a highly sensitive conservation area, general public access is limited. However, Huai Kha Khaeng has three controlled points open for eco-educational visits. The first is at the sanctuary headquarters in Lan Sak district, offering a forest trail called the “Tiger Village Trail” and a memorial to Sueb Nakhasathien. The second is at the Saiyab forest protection unit in Huai Khot district, where visitors can camp by the Saiyab Waterfall. The third is at the Huai Mae Dee forest protection unit in Ban Rai district along Highway 3011, offering camping programs and nature trails. All visits must strictly follow sanctuary regulations to maintain ecosystem balance and protect wildlife.

 

At the sanctuary headquarters stands a statue of Sueb Nakhasathien, facing southwest to symbolize his care for the western forests. An eight-step staircase represents his eight-month tenure as the sanctuary chief, with carved patterns illustrating the challenges he faced during his work.

 

Thung Yai–Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries are not only internationally significant as a natural World Heritage site but also represent a richly endowed natural area worthy of conservation. They provide a unique opportunity for people to learn about and experience a rare and valuable biodiversity. Responsible and respectful visitation is essential to ensure the sustainability of this World Heritage site for future generations.

 

Visiting Thung Yai–Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries to study wildlife and rare species is an invaluable experience. Sustainable tourism practices and respect for nature are crucial to preserve this World Heritage site for generations to come.