Forest
in Thap Lan National Park is one part of Dong
Phayayen - Khao Yai Forest Complex which is declared as a second world natural
heritage site in Thailand. However, there are various kinds of threat within
the park such as poaching, land encroachment, and, especially, illegal logging
of Siamese rosewood which is deteriorating steadily. There are crime networks
both inside and outside the country. In addition, offenders have systematically
planned well and were supported for high technology weapons. Therefore, support
of Smart patrol system is required in order to tackle with threats as mentioned
above. Park rangers have to improve their patrol technique skills and
threat/ecological data collection because these data will be used for analysis
and will then be used for further patrol plan.
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 Thap Lan National Park
(TLNP) in Prachinburi Province during
March 19-23, 2016. There are 42 TLNP rangers participated in this training in
order to enhance their effectiveness on patrol performance and they will be
able to deal with various patterns of threat in the area. Park rangers have
learned and practiced on patrol techniques, teamwork, inspection, arrest, and weapon
use instructed by a team of Border Patrol Police.
On March 1, 2016 TLNP rangers
visited Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary (HKK) which is a pilot site that Smart
system has been used since 2006. Rangers observed monthly patrol meetings and
learned about the Smart patrol system procedure including data entry, patrol
reports and meeting planning, etc. to apply in their areas.
Each
ranger registered and received training materials and field gears supported by
WCS
Pre and post physical strength tests consisting of sit-up, push-up, squat thrust and 2 km running
Weapon study and firearm shooting practice during day time and night time
Refreshing patrol techniques, inspection, arrest and close quarters battle practice
Scene simulation for practice on a small operation unit during day time and night time
Mission report and discussion on encountered problems
Study tour to observe HKK monthly patrol meeting and Smart patrol system procedure in HKK on March 1, 2016
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