The training of Basic of New Patrolling System in Protected Areas (three trainings in total) which is under the training course in Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) Patrol was held during April - May (the first, second and third trainings were held during April 21-27, May 3-9 and May 23-29, 2015, respectively) at Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, Chachoengsao Province. This training is under Catalyzing Sustainability of Thailand’s Protected Area System or CATSPA which is the cooperation between United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). The aim of training is to improve the patrol system within the Eastern Forest Complex which consisting of 8 protected areas led by Protected Areas Regional Office 2 (Sriracha). There are 40 rangers in each trainings; 28 rangers from Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, 15 rangers from Khlong Khruea Wai Chaloem Phra Kiat Wildlife Sanctuary, 25 rangers from Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, 10 rangers from Khao Sib Ha Chan National Park, 10 rangers from Namtok Phlio National Park, 14 rangers from Namtok Khlong Kaeo National Park, 9 rangers from Khao Chamao-Khao Wong National Park and 8 rangers from Khao Khitchakut National Park. In total there are 120 participated patrol rangers from 8 protected areas in Eastern Forest Complex.
The WCS staff were invited to be the lecturers for the topics that necessary for the patrol such as skills in GPS, map, compass and patrol data form usage. While the trainers who are patrol technique experts from the Special Operation Division – Crime Investigation Center of Provincial Police Region 3, the Special Training Division 2 and the Special Training Division 6 – Border Patrol Police Bureau refreshing patrol techniques, arrest and weapon use.
Overall, most of the rangers have learnt and obtained more understanding of map reading together with compass and GPS using. In addition, they are able to record data forms correctly. However, more practices are needed for some rangers.
Training materials from CATSPA such as forest ranger uniforms, Smart Patrol hats, Smart Patrol t-shirts, shorts, Smart Patrol bags, socks, footwear, and stationery sets are given to rangers at registration.
Mr. Somphoch Maneerat, the superintendent of Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary gave a talk about the importance of SMART Patrol in protected area management.
Dr. Anak Pattanavibool, a lecturer from Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University delivered a lecture about rationale of SMART Patrol within protected area.
Review of map reading and compass using.
Review of GPS using (GPSMAP 76CSx, 60CSx and 62Sc).
Outdoor practice - simulation of patrol data collection.
Pre and post physical strength tests consisting of sit-up, squat thrust, push-up and 1.5 km running.
Practice on patrol techniques, team movement, close quarters battle and suspect arrest led by instructors from Provincial Police Region 3 and Border Patrol Police Bureau.
Practice on firearm shooting (HK33 and shotgun).
Field patrol
Results from patrol mission reported in the meeting.
Certificates offered to rangers and the closing speech of the ceremony given by Mr. Thannarin Na Nakorn, the deputy director of CATSPA.