The exhibition of photographs of critical wildlife in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the country’s first Natural World Heritage Site, is now being showcased in town alongside the book, which is a collection of wildlife photographs out of the photographer’s efforts that have spanned over three decades
Over the past three decades, the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the country’s first Natural World Heritage Site registered in 1991 out of the late HKK Chief Seub Nakhasathien’s dedication, has been well-protected thanks to the continuous dedication and sacrifice of forest protection officers after him.
The implementation of the “Smart Patrol” system has been effective in reducing poaching and illegal logging. Research initiatives have generated valuable knowledge and understanding of the forest, providing a crucial database for effective area management. Participation and support from the government, NGOs, and the public have also played an essential role in creating sustainable security for this forest.
Today, forest protectors, researchers, volunteers, and officials from various agencies and organizations continue to dedicate themselves to preserving this forest for future generations, and their collective efforts in this forest have been masterfully captured and portrayed by veteran wildlife photographer Narong Suwannarong, who will give a talk about his work today at the Seub Nakhasathien’s 34th death anniversary at BACC.
l Courtesy of Narong Suwannarong
Born in Sawang Dandin District, Sakon Nakhon Province, Narong Suwannarong earned a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology, Ladkrabang. In 1993, he began his career as an engineer while also pursuing his passion for nature exploration. His interest in wildlife photography and book creation has been a constant throughout his life, and for the past decade, he has focused primarily on wildlife photography. It has taken years of photography and data collection to craft stories about various wildlife species.
Narong’s work in wildlife photography is driven by the hope that people will gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the natural world, fostering a love and respect for the life within it. Since his first visit to the Huai Kha Khaeng Forest in 1994, Narong has returned repeatedly over the past three decades to study and photograph the region’s wildlife.
His work in wildlife photography has earned him multiple Royal Trophies from His Majesty the King and the Department of the Crown Prince of Siam. His books have won the Outstanding Book Award from the Basic Education Commission (OBE), and his works are frequently recognized for their beauty.
Coinciding with the Seub Nakhasathien’s 34th death anniversary, Narong has launched the book, Wildlife of Huai Kha Khaeng, which is a collection of his wildlife photographs taken from Huai Kha Khaeng that has spanned over his 30 years of profession at a photo exhibition, The Big 7 Exhibition, being held at BACC, 1st Floor. It will run until today.
l Courtesy of Narong Suwannarong
The Big 7 Exhibition features images documenting the Huai Kha Khaeng World Heritage Forest over the past three decades. The “Big 7” refers to the seven iconic species of the Huai Kha Khaeng Forest: wild buffalo, tigers, leopards, tapirs, gaurs, bantengs and wild elephants. These species share similar and distinct ecological requirements, necessitating a large, diverse forest ecosystem that supports various forest types, plant species, and animal life. The presence of the Big 7 is a key indicator of the ecological health and fertility of the Huai Kha Khaeng Forest.
Part of the revenue from the photographs and book sale will be given to Seub Nakhasathien Foundation and the Suranaree University of Technology.
Indie • in-depth online news agency
to “bridge the gap” and “connect the dots” with critical and constructive minds on development and environmental policies in Thailand and the Mekong region; to deliver meaningful messages and create the big picture critical to public understanding and decision-making, thus truly being the public’s critical voice