Smart Patrol Training in Thungyai Naresuan East Wildlife Sanctuary

By Kraiwut Rijiravanich | Views: 1349 | April 12, 2016

Patrol activity has been well developed in Thungyai Naresuan East Wildlife Sanctuary. The data from patrol trips was used for further patrol plan in order to cope with threats for effective natural resource protection within the area. However, lacking of skills of confront or encounter which resulting in failure to apprehend poachers during their mission, thus, we need to strengthen the rangers’ patrol skills and their performance in order to confront the poachers effectively and safely.

In addition, skill of intelligence gathering is required for patrol rangers in order to prevent any natural resource loss and to deal with offender in a timely manner.

Therefore, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Thailand Program in collaboration with Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), arranged a training ‘SMART PATROL’ in Thungyai Naresuan East Wildlife Sanctuary in Tak Province during February 24 – March 1, 2016. There are 35 forest rangers who have or have not been trained. The patrol training courses are required for the new rangers in order for them to have better understanding and develop patrol skills. This training will also strengthen the information approach for trained rangers. All mentioned above will enhance the ranger effectiveness on wildlife protection and they will be able to deal with various patterns of threats in the area.

Patrol rangers have learned and practiced on patrol techniques, teamwork, arrest, weapon use and intelligence gathering instructed by a team of Border Patrol Police. Moreover, they have studied and reviewed of map reading, GPS and compass using and patrol data form record.

Each ranger registered and received field gears supported by WCS

Pre and post physical strength tests consisting of sit-up, push-up, squat thrust and 1.5 km running

Refreshing patrol techniques, inspection, arrest and teamwork

Scene simulation for practice on a small operation unit during day time

Scene simulation for practice on a small operation unit during night time

Outdoor practice - simulation of operational planning for intelligence gathering (e.g., tracking suspects for some information and then making a plan for arrest, etc.)