WHILE Bangkok is at times obscured in a haze generated by over-development, visitors to Thailand are often impressed at the abundance of well-maintained national parks and other public spaces that are off-limits to developers.
 
Thailand ranks well globally in terms of land set aside as protected areas in proportion of national territory -- around 20%. That’s 513,120 square kilometers (510,890 km² of terrestrial parks and 2,230 km² of marine parks), and in the coming years this figure is projected to rise to 25%. Which means practically every part of the country is within a short drive of a national park, forest park or nature reserve, and every weekend thousands of Thais, expats and tourists take advantage of this fortunate circumstance.
 
An informal survey of Bangkok expats and diplomats found that those who had visited the country’s national parks and other protected areas were without exception impressed with their natural beauty and their management.
 
Several had high praise for national park rangers and other staff they’d come across. None were distressed with the two-tiered pricing system that sees foreigners charged more for park entrance than Thais, and there was general agreement that the experience is worth the money.
 
According to the Thai language website of the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (DNP), the Kingdom’s protected areas include132 terrestrial national parks, 24 marine national parks, 94 forest parks, 60 wildlife sanctuaries and 56 non-hunting areas. Another 23 land national parks, two marine parks and seven non-hunting areas are in the establishment phase.
All of Thailand’s protected areas are monitored by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and each type has a specific designation under the IUCN system. For example, national parks, both terrestrial and marine, fall under category II.
 
Conservation in Thailand really got off the ground with the passage of the National Park Act B.E. 2504 (1961), which also triggered the establishment of other types of protected areas.

National parks are officially proclaimed by a royal decree which comes into effect after publication in the Royal Thai Government Gazette. Khao Yai National Park became the country’s first national park when the Gazette published its official announcement on September 18, 1962.
 
The national park system is administered by the DNP, a division of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, from its headquarters in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district.
 
The DNP was established in 2002, before which park administration managed by the Royal Forest Department. In 1993 national parks administration was split between two divisions, one for terrestrial parks and
one for marine parks. The stated objectives of the Marine National Park Division are to manage marine protected areas in accordance with the National Park Act; to continuously revise and update marine park management strategies for conservation of natural resources and rehabilitation of marine ecosystems; and to provide recreation, education and research opportunities within the parks.
 
Following is a broad overview of protected lands in Thailand by category, with some specific examples:

The Okura Prestige Bangkok’s serene 25th floor spa offers the benefits of essential oils from remedies such as plai, tamarind, camphor, lemongrass,
kaffir lime and turmeric. A 30 minute body scrub to warm and relax is followed by a 60 minute oil massage to relieve tension. Natural Oriental Remedies is available daily from 10am- 10pm, 1st October to 31 st December, priced per person at B4,000++/ B4,500++ for 90/120 minutes.
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02 687 9000
spa@okurabangkok.com

Muay Thai classes with a view
Halfway up Centara Grand at CentralWorld tower at LifeStyles on 26 fitness centre, professional Muay Thai instructors guide you through basic punching and kicking moves in a series of kickboxing classes for all abilities, moving on to more advanced defence, knee and elbow techniques.  uay Thai is fantastic cardio workout building strength, flexibility and confidence. Classes every Thursday from 18.00 – 18.50 hrs, priced at B400
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02 100 6299
www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cgcw/services

Moleskine, the creators’ favourite lifestyle brand of Italian origin, works with five elite artists : Sundae Kids, Lafyna, Juli Baker and Summer, Sy Chonato, and Chaonnapat Setdhasoratha The works were crafted on Moleskine sketchbook and watercolor notebook collection called Moleskine Art Collection under ‘The ExtraOrdinary’ concept.

Always inspired by new-yet-original ideas derived from artists’ journeys on the road, Moleskine creates products that act as unique and cannot-live-without travel companions – bridging creators and the current world of digital, as well as embracing the power of creativity and communications. Acting as a medium in supporting and distributing Thai cultural heritage through creative works worldwide.

Juli Baker’n Summer’s - Chanaradee Chatrakul Na Ayudhya Travel’s columnist who created the zine’s name I’ll follow the sun vol.2 within traveling journal concept, sharing her art tour experience in South Korea with colored pencil and watercolor format. 

Lafyna - Nicha Thaveecharoensook is an Illustrator. She regularly conducts watercolour and coloured pencil painting workshops in various studios. Her zine’s initiative ‘Bangkok Fantasy’ tell the story of Bangkok’s environment around such as places, foods, and a variety of culture

Sy Chonato – Pitshaya Chonato a content writer based designer who loved information overload who passionate in human communication by finding the sweet spot between Design and Writing  both offline and online formats ; The Internet Explorer which being inspired from online experience. A casual sketch journal that collects what she has found from the weird sides of the internet. She wants to explore, the weird, the meme, the dark side and awkward human communication of the web and the ambiguity thin line of what’s real and what’s not. She wants to embrace and explore it.       

Chaonnapat Setdhasoratha – A Traveling photographer, writer, and owner of “ABE rabbit” facebook page. He has named his zine as ‘Travel book whose story is lost during the journey in Shikoku’. Inspired by Murakami’s novel called “Kafka on the Shore” this photo journey takes place in Shikoku island and other thrilling places such as island of art, island of cats, island that is occupied by rabbits, and mystery village in the middle of the forest tht has dolls more than its population. The story is told by photos from Chonnapat and quotes by Murakami

Sundae Kids – Two best friends who enjoy every kind of art, enjoy to tell the story through their art works. Sundae Kids shared their work across a variety of media including illustration, Comics, Graphic novel and Animation. Their concept is snooping into other people’s lives and told us their stories, so their zine’s name ‘SNOOP’.

​In today’s world, it is relatively common for a mother to juggle between working and raising a child. The on-demand economy offers those who choose to work flexibility to fit their work to their lifestyles, allows workers to manage their duties as an employee and a mother however they want.
 
On the surface, Miss Naruemol Winchakunkul or "Pang" may seem like a regular foodpanda rider. But at a closer look, this 33-year-old plays another important role. She is the mother of a 16-year-old boy, “Nong Lip”. Pang says raising a teenager alone is not an easy task, but her son’s future encourages her to work hard and live life to the fullest every single day. 

Now going into her fourth year as a foodpanda rider, Pang said that the job allows her to earn enough money to raise her son and to cover some personal loans. This is all possible thanks to foodpanda’s flexible working hours that fit with her roles as a mother. Delivering food by motorbike is not a simple task - the work itself is stressful and requires many responsibilities and obstacles. This includes checking the order, the condition of the food package and so on. When it rains and the roads are slippery, she tends to drive slower than usual which results in negative reviews from customers. Some of them have even splashed water on her face.
 
“As a rider, I want to deliver food to the hands of the customer in the best condition possible, so that they would be happy with our service,” Pang said. ​

Having not completed high school, she has always had to rely on jobs with limited skills to earn her money. With a helping hand from her sister, she chose to work 6 days a week and uses the rest of the week to spend her time with her son who is now studying in Hotel Management in a technical school in Bangkok. Pang said she wants to give total support to her son’s education, which is her priority.
 
“I didn’t have good education when I was young and I know how difficult life is without it. That is why I want to support my son fully in whichever career path he is pursuing,” Pang explained.
 
Let’s also meet Thatsaniya Saemasae or "Ya" a Thai-Malay who is currently residing in Bangkok has started working with foodpanda two months ago.Ya said she is pleased with how the company allows her to be flexible with the schedule. As an active individual, she chooses to work every day from 8.30 to 12.30 and 15.30 to 20.45. She sends allowance on a monthly basis to her 11-year-old son, Sawan, who now lives in Yala with her mother, and manages to have some savings left for herself.

Q: Did you immediately see the potential of the area?
A: “Yes, I saw the potential immediately because the area is so well located (Chinatown, Silom, Chao Phraya River) and Charoenkrung is the frst road in Bangkok, so there are many old buildings, and very lively sois. It’s a rare part of the city where you can actually walk around and observe artisans, mechanics, metal shops, retail shops of all kind of motor engineering workshops, small fresh markets, small Chinese temples, historical Chinese settler’s houses, converted warehouses, art galleries... I loved Talad Noi for all those reasons. The Creative District is now emphasizing and developing this community into a interesting destination and blend of upcoming creative businesses and old craftsmanship together.” Thomas Menard - Speedy Grandma, Soy Sauce Factory, Soulbar.

Q: What attracted you both to this area?
A: “Stephanie and I used to be dealers in Oriental art, we have been visiting for 25 years now and always stayed in this area as it is the Oldest part of town, near always exciting Chao Phraya River. We’ve always found this a very authentic part of the city and love the small shops in Talad Noi leading up to Chinatown. We loved it so much that 12 years ago we renovated three shophouses, now known as Speedy Grandma. When our current gallery became available for rent we did not hesitate one second: an art deco gem in not exactly high street. We figured that if we were good enough, people would find us. They did.”

Q: Do you think the district will continue to evolve?
A: “We are convinced it will. Just check the numbers of bars, restaurants, galleries which have popped up in recent years: 80/20 restaurant, Black pig Tattoo, 100 mahased, Jua, Maison Close, Tropic City,… not to mention what happens a bit further at Soi Nana in Chinatown. Warehouse 30 runs regular exhibitions, we are converting our warehouse into exhibition-space, Atty relentlessly puts her shoulders under the increasingly popular Gallery Hopping nights. This is just the start.”

Speedy Grandma: Thomas Menard and Unchalee Anantawat’s frst foray into the neighbourhood and the destination that started it all. This art gallery and event space focuses on experimental art and ideas.
672/50-52 Charoen Krung Soi 28
Soy Sauce Factory: Another of Thomas Menard’s creative ventures, this art space and bar focuses on photographic exhibitions and good drinks.
11/1 Charoen Krung Soi 24, Bangkok, Thailand

Maison Close: Part art gallery, bar and tattoo shop that hosts weekly events, exhibitions, movie nights, an underground film festival, and more.
397/399 Charoen Krung Soi 45

Galerie Adler: Contemporary international art gallery found on the same Soi as Outlaw Cuisine and Maison Close cocktail bar.
373/2 Charoen Krung Soi 45
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Bangkok River City: One of the long standing presence’s in the area has recently launched their new RCB Photographer’s Gallery on the second floor with a show with renowned photographer Patrick Brown.
Charoen Krung Rd, Soi 24

Serindia Gallery: Showing fne art and photography exhibitions by international artists.
OP Garden, 36 Charoen Krung Rd.

Atta Gallery: This gallery’s sole focus is contemporary art jewelry.
OP Garden, 36 Charoen Krung Rd.

Most Gallery: Creative space dedicated to photography.
672/63 Charoen Krung Soi 26

1 Projects: Located on the ground floor of the same building as Most Gallery. Showcasing the works of local and international emerging Asian artists.

​Eliseo Barbàra, MOST Gallery + MOST 2414 Digital Marketing Agency
Q: What’s missing from the Creative District?
‘I would like to see more entrepreneurs and startups move into the Creative District, from industries not strictly connected to art and food & beverage. It would be great to have people doing innovative stuff such as mobile and web solutions, content development, and media production.’
 If it’s some personal art you’re after, the ink on skin type of art, then head to Black Pig Tattoos where you’ll fnd New York transplant Luke Satora, a Japanese-American tattoo artist. Luke made the move to Bangkok in 2016 and gravitated to the Creative District. You can fnd his shop positioned above the Tropic City
bar.
Speaking of bars, when it comes to food and beverage offerings in the area, and aside from the delicious local street food delights, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Refurbishing older buildings rather than building new ones makes a place hold on to its heritage and history which we feel is important in a city like Bangkok.

Jua: This Izakaya style restaurant and bar opened by chef Chet Adkins (ex - Ku De Ta, Bangkok) and photographer Jason Lang serves up a fresh and innovative Japanese menu and a list of enticing drinks.
672/49 Charoenkrung Soi 28, Bangkok, Thailand

Tropic City: Downstairs from Black Pig Tattoo, Tropic City is a cocktail bar founded by two Swedes - Sebastian De La Cruz and Philip Stefanescu that specializes in gin based creations. The vibrant tropical exterior makes it easy to fnd on
Charoen Krung Soi 28. 672/65 Charoen Krung Soi 28, Bangkok, Thailand.

Outlaw Cuisine: Owned by artist turned chef Romain Guiot, Outlaw Cuisine offers up a Mediterranean focused menu. Keeping with the vibe of the area the exterior of the restaurant is emblazoned with mural artwork.
415 Charoen Krung Soi 45, Bangkok, Thailand.

80/20: Around the corner from Little Market is this innovative Thai restaurant with a menu that comprises of 80% locally grown and organically produced ingredients. Chef Napol “Joe” Jantraget serves up some truly eclectic dishes that are perfectly at home in a creative district.
80/20, 1052-1054 Charoen Krung Soi 26, Bangkok, Thailand.
 
Maison Chatenet: Situated on the corner at the entrance to Warehouse 30 sits this taste of France helmed by chef/proprietor Marcel Chatenet. From coffee and pastries to quiche and porchetta sandwiches, this sleek designed two-level spot is yet another welcome offering in the district. Maison Chatenet, Warehouse 30
Charoenkrung Soi 30, Bangkok, Thailand.

Foojohn: You’ll discover a mix of crepes, wine, American barbeque, and live music spread throughout this multi-level venue.831 Charoen Krung Soi 31, Bangkok, Thailand.

You can also get your groove on in the Creative District. If it’s some live music you’re after you can’t go wrong with SoulBar found at 945 Charoen Krung Rd., a vibrant and intimate venue that caters to fans of good soul and funk music.

​Plastic is the scourge of our seas and beaches.  There’s no getting away from it.  It’s an eye-sore, ugly and unnecessary. Marine life, and therefore the food chain, is under threat from this growing man-made menace. So too is the environment. Once-magnificent, pristine beaches have been spoiled.