This is the second smart patrol training under the strengthen law enforcement system which was held during August 18-24, 2015 at Sub Lungka Wildlife Sanctuary, Lopburi Province (the first training was held during December 23-29, 2014 at Om koi Wildlife Sanctuary). These two trainings were organized by Wildlife Conservation Office, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP). The aims of training are to enhance the patrol system within wildlife sanctuaries, to strengthen the rangers’ efficiency and their physical strength in order to enhance the effectiveness of patrol performance which is limited by the number of rangers. There are 5 participated rangers from each wildlife sanctuaries; Sub Lungka Wildlife Sanctuary, Phanom Dong Rak Wildlife Sanctuary, Huai Sala Wildlife Sanctuary, Huaituptun - Huaisamran Wildlife Sanctuary, Phu Sithan Wildlife Sanctuary and Buntharik - Yot Mon Wildlife Sanctuary. In total there are 30 participated wildlife sanctuary patrol rangers.
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, team movement, arrest and weapon use.
Overall, most of the rangers showed their willingness to learn and bring their knowledge to work more effectively within their area. They 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.
Mr. Saroj Prapan, the Director of National Park Division, Protected Area Regional Office 1 (Saraburi Province) gave the opening ceremony speech.
Mr. Sompoch Maneerat, the superintendent of Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary gave a talk about the importance of Smart Patrol on protected area management.
Dr. Anak Pattanavibool, a lecturer from Faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University delivered a lecture about Development of patrol system in protected areas: Thai to international standards.
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, push-up, squat thrust 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. Prajak Sukkho, the Director of Wildlife Conservation Division, Protected Area Regional Office 1 (Saraburi Province)