The Central Plains are lush, fertile and well-watered. Long before the founding of Bangkok as the nations’ capital some 200 years ago, it has served as Thailand’s rice bowl, blessing the kingdom with agricultural riches. Most of the lowlands are cultivated, leaving little forest available, save that which can be found on the hills. Today, the only remnants of old forests left standing are found on the far west along the border with Burma, or on the southeast near the eastern seaboard region.
Bird life in this region has declined dramatically since the 1950’s, with most of Thailand’s larger birds such as vultures and storks being persecuted to extinction. Recent demands to modernize the outlying areas around the larger towns and cities have also put many important sites at risk. Many birds have been forced to move into urban areas and it is not uncommon nowdays to find some migrants such as Blue Winged Pitta in gardens in downtown Bangkok, or in municipal parks within the city limits.
Thankfully, with a little added protection, some species are beginning to make a comeback.
Puttamonkol Park (Thonburi, Bangkok)
Lumpini Park (Bangkok)
Chatuchak – Suan Rot Fai Park (Bangkok)
Khao Soi Dao National Park(Chantaburi)
Bang Pra (Chonburi)
Khao Keao (Chonburi)
Huay Ka Kaeng Wildlife Reserve (Kanchanaburi)
Erawan National Park (Kanchanaburi)
Beung Borapet (Nakorn Sawan)
Ang Ru Nai National Park
Koh Chang National Park (Rayong)
Bang Poo (Samut Prakan)
Muang Boran (Samut Prakan)
Kok Kahm (Samut Sakorn)
