Huai Hin Dat Reservoir, Khao Yaida, Rayong Province – 12 July 2024: SCG Chemicals Public Company Limited, or SCGC, in collaboration with Rayong Province, Tapong Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Khao Yaida Community Water Management Network, young people, SCGC employees, and over 400 volunteers, organized the "Good Deeds from the Heart: Building 100 Check Dams in Honor of His Majesty the King’s 72nd Birthday Anniversary" event. The activity took place around the Huai Hin Dat Reservoir area in Khao Yaida, Rayong Province. The project aims to build and repair 100 check dams following the royal initiative of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, or King Rama IX, throughout July. This is to honor His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, or King Rama X, on the auspicious occasion of his 72nd birthday on 28 July 2024.
Khao Yaida is a crucial watershed forest located in Mueang Rayong District, covering over 10,620 rai and spanning three subdistricts: Tapong, Klaeng, Ban Lang, including Ban Khai District. Approximately 4,000 households reside in this area, primarily engaged in agriculture. Over the past 20 years, the watershed forest area of “Khao Yaida” has suffered from degradation, frequent drought crises, and wildfires. Without restoration, it could significantly impact the quality of life and the environment. To address these issues, SCGC has partnered with relevant sectors, including government and civil society, and established the Khao Yaida Community Water Management Network in 2007. The collaboration has adopted the royal initiatives of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, or King Rama IX, such as building check dams and implementing five-level forest planting to successfully restore the watershed forest. This transformation turned drought-stricken land into a fertile forest, enhancing agricultural activities and creating jobs for surrounding communities. It also helped create a rich ecosystem and biodiversity. Currently, there are over 7,600 check dams in Khao Yaida, built and maintained continuously for more than 17 years. This has led to tangible economic, social, and environmental improvements, including producing over 14 million cubic meters of water per year in streams, increasing agricultural yields by over 79 million kilograms annually, and increasing tree density with 120 plant species, providing habitat for over 123 wildlife species. Additionally, it has contributed to mitigating global warming, with the average annual temperature dropping by 1.6 degrees Celsius and sequestering over 38.5 tons of carbon dioxide per rai.
Sakchai Patiparnpreechavud, Chief Executive Officer & President of SCG Chemicals Public Company Limited, or SCGC, said, "SCGC initiated the Khao Yaida Watershed Forest Restoration Project following the royal initiative of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, King Rama IX. The project involves building check dams and implementing five-level forest planting, which began in 2007 and continues to this day. Over the past 17 years, we have collaborated with government agencies, the Khao Yaida Community Water Management Network, and more than 30,000 volunteers to build and repair over 7,600 check dams in the Khao Yaida area. This has helped alleviate the drought crisis, restore ecological richness, improve the quality of life, and create jobs and income for surrounding communities. SCGC has ongoing plans to promote Khao Yaida as a model community for water management, fostering sustainable self-reliance. The goal is to develop this area into a crucial water and food source for the country while striving towards a low-carbon community. We will leverage innovation and knowledge from both SCGC and related network organizations to expand and extend these benefits to other communities within Rayong Province and nationwide."
Kamthon Wehon, Deputy Governor of Rayong Province, said, "Rayong Province is an agricultural area and a beautiful tourist destination, capable of continuous economic growth. However, The most important thing is to balance economic development with the preservation of natural resources. The watershed forest in Khao Yaida is like to a lifeline that has sustained farmers and residents of Rayong from the past to the present. The province is committed to upholding the royal initiative of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, King Rama IX, which focuses on creating water sources in drought-stricken areas and establishing forests as the origin of life. This initiative is crucial for providing a good quality of life for all Thai people. In collaboration with SCGC, Tapong Subdistrict Administrative Organization, and Khao Yaida Community Water Management Network, we are organizing the “Good Deeds from the Heart: Building 100 Check Dams in Honor of His Majesty the King’s 72nd Birthday Anniversary” event. This activity is in honor of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, King Rama X, and follows the royal wishes to “maintain, preserve, and extend” the projects initiated from royal initiatives."
Taweep Saengkrachang, Mayor of Tapong Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Mueang District, Rayong Province, said, "Khao Yaida is a vital watershed forest in Mueang Rayong District, covering three subdistricts: Tapong, Klaeng, and Ban Lang, and extending to Ban Khai District. It serves as the origin of water sources that benefit the surrounding communities for agricultural purposes. The Tapong Subdistrict Administrative Organization, as the caretaker of this area, recognizes the importance of restoring and conserving the watershed forest, which is a crucial resource for the region. We have continuously collaborated with SCGC and the community to manage and care for the watershed forest, aiming to restore the richness of Khao Yaida and pass on these valuable resources to future generations."
