E-book Hala-Bala wildlife to word heritage

entitled to Thai citizen. After the ID cards are issued, the SBPAC will
improve the quality of life by working along with relevant agencies in
the area. For examples, each household in the self-help land settle-
ments should be allocated with land for farming purpose, supported
with suitable career placement and the education for children of the
Orang Asli group for Thai literacy. In the meanwhile, their uniqueness
should be preserved in consistency with their needs. This initiative is
in accordance with the intention of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha
Chakri Sirindhorn, who cares for the well-being of the Mani Ethnic Group
and the prevention for them being exploited. The SBPAC was accordingly
requested to cooperate with other relevant agencies to materialize the
project.

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50 HALA - BALA Wildlife to World Heritage

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A significant reason as to why the indigenous inhabitants set-
tled down in the area of the Hala-Bala Forest was the advantages in
geography and location.
As for the terrain of Yala Province, the south and west are high
mountains, rainforest, and plateau, alternated with low mountains. The
important mountain is Sankalakiri, the highest peak is “Gunung Hulu
Maca Mountain,” with the height of 1,472 meters. Gunung Hulu Maca
Mountain is the border separating Thailand from Malaysia. Sanpannam
Peak is the main source of the “Saiburi River” or “Kaboo River,” as locally
called by villagers. This river runs through Raman District, the length of
which is 186 kilometers, originating from Sukirin District, Sisakhon District,
Narathiwat, and reaches the destination at Saiburi River Mouth, Taluban
Sub-district, Saiburi District, Pattani Province. Other important mountains
consist of Pilo, Yala, Labu, Wat Tham, and Kam Pun. The “Pattani River”
is called “Tha Sap Canal” by local people when it flows through Tha
52 HALA - BALA Wildlife to World Heritage

Sap community, in Mueang Yala District. The river is originated from
mountains in Betong District, and it keeps flowing through Than To
District, Bannang Sata District, Mueang District, Yala Province, Yarang
District, Nong Chik District, Mueang District, Pattani Province, and then
converges to the sea at Sabarang Sub-district, Mueang Pattani District,
with the total length of about 210 kilometers.
The Saiburi River and the Pattani River are both important trans-
portation routes, through which villagers, merchants, mariners cruise their
boats or ships to carry agricultural produce, local products, tin and gold,
and distribute them to different areas in Thailand and Malaysia.
In regard to the topography of Narathiwat, the west is the prov-
ince of Yala. The area is full of forests and mountains, and abundant
natural resources. The lower eastern coast is the plain of swamp forest.
Narathiwat Province contains complex formation mountains and fertile
forest, and, therefore, there are many products from the forest. There
are 3 important rivers, namely, the Saiburi River, Bang Nara River, and the
Su-ngai Kolok River. There was a “gold mine” where traces of human
panning for gold at the beginning of the Saiburi River, Phu Khao Thong
Sub-district, Sukhirin District, were found long time ago.

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The major rivers that run through Yala and Narathiwat Prov-
inces are not only, for centuries, the lifeline for local people, but also
a transport means linking the ancient trade routes between the east -
west since the period of “Langkasuka”, the oldest and most prosperous
kingdom on the Malay Peninsula around the beginning of the 1st century
AD. (AD 80 - 100), or may even have been established before Christ
Era. Many historians believed that Langkasuka covered the east coast
(Pattani - Nakhon Si Thammarat) and the west coast (Kedah-Malaysia),
interacting commercially with other countries as an international port.
Through both of the Kedah-Sai Buri harbors, Langkasuka traded with India,
Arab, and Persia whereas through the Patani Port (Pattani Province now)
it contacted commercially with China, Khmer, Java, and others, with a
wide variety of imported and exported products.
This route embodies the history of the Indian Ocean where
the society of various groups of settlers since 8th Buddhist Century was
forged. From small scattered communities, they transformed into villag-
es, towns, and a city-state, bound together since prehistoric period, the
historic era, the Sri Vijaya Kingdom, Lankasuka, Patani Darussalam, up to
the present. The traces of “Yarang Ancient City” in Yarang District, Pattani
Province, indicated that this area was possibly the former location of the
Langkasuka Kingdom, which was historically related to “Pattani River”
and the former city of Yala. Dated back to the 4th Buddhist Century,
the area around the summit of Mount Gunung Jerai (Gunung Jerai) in
Bujang Valley, Kedah State (Sai Buri), Malaysia, was the location of an
old empire, the origin of pre-Islamic civilization. Nowadays, the remaining
legacies of the prosperous Buddhist-Hindu culture are on display at the
Muzium Arkeologi Lembah Bujang, Bukit Batu Pahat in Bujang Valley,

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near the lowland of Muda River in Kuala Muda, the Merbok confluence,
and Gunung Jerai Mountain. This route is connected to the Pattani River
Basin, the Budo-Sankalakiri Mountains, linking the Pattani River, the Sai
Buri River, and the Kedah River, the Sungai Petani River in Kedah togeth-
er. All were threaded and became the “Silk Road” of the Malay world,
bridging the inner world with the outer world.
The Hala-Bala Forest area in Yala and Narathiwat Province is
merged with the Royal Belum State Park in Malaysia, and coalesced into
one forest. It was part of the ancient trade route, which was a network
that connected the world together, as a path across the peninsula from
Kedah or Sai Buri - Songkhla, and Kedah-Patani. The main area in the
Bujang Valley and the summit of Gunung Jerai had close relationship
with the Thai side, as it connects the trade routes across the peninsula.
Fortune seekers and merchants had to travel all day and night through
the Sankalakiri Mountains, through the Hala-Bala Forest and the Royal
Belum State Park, where the historical narratives of the Patani Empire
56 HALA - BALA Wildlife to World Heritage

abound. This forest is related to the “Yala City” area, especially
the Bannang Sata area, as a resting point for travelers, and “Tha
Sap,” as a point of shifting routes. In the early days, the Hindu-Brah-
min civilization was adopted. The sailors from India had to take
a long boat trip along the coast, heading to the estuary of the
Merbok and the Sungai Muda. The goods to be sold were carried
upstream to cross the San Kalakiri Gorge. Crossing through the San
Kalakiri Gorge is like entering to a network of waterways, involving
many rivers such as the Merbok, Sungai Muda River, Sungai Patani
River, Kelantan River, The Perak River or even the Pahang River.
The experience from traveling through these rivers allowed the
travelers to witness people’s lifestyles that were deeply bonded
together, interwoven through time between the East and the
West. This ancient peninsula route of the Sri Vijai Kingdom linked
the Andaman coast with the Gulf of Thailand, from the mouth of
the Merbok River, to Sankalakhiri, across the gorge of Tapapalang
Mountain and Hangus Mountain, to the Pattani River, running
downstream through the heart of the Hala - Bala Forest, Bannang
Sata, Thung Kalo, the ancient city of Yarang, and converging with
Pattani estuary or Sai Buri on the other side.
At the heart of Hala-Bala Forest, there is a “resting point”
for travellers. This approximately 200 - 300 rai of plain area became
the locale of a community’s settlement that has become a long
history known until today.

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In the early Rattanakosin Period, some Pattani people and their
families decided to migrate, hoping to find an ideal place to relocate,
considering the river as the lifeline. These migrants cruised along the
Pattani River, hoping to find a suitable place to begin their new lives,
and finally reached the plain of a valley where rivers converged. Ap-
parently, the land newly discovered was perfect for cultivation and the
terrain was very gratifying. Therefore, they decided to choose this place
as their permanent habitat, and, from then on, the place was named
“Hala.”
Years passed by, Hala became a stable dwelling site. Once the
news spread, there were more and more close relatives from Pattani
City who also wished to pursue the journey of the relocation. The
abundance of the forest made the inhabitants happy and they rarely
spent on expenditure, except for clothing, salt and shrimp paste. At that
time, the Thai government commissioned the authorized person from
Bangkok to take charge as a Hala village leader, known as “Toh Khun”
whose wife would be called “Mae Khun.” The relationship between the
leader and the community was close as kinship. Later, after Toh Khun
passed away, Hala village was changed to “Hala Sub-district,” with Mr.
Jeh Mo appointed as the Sub-district Head. This sub-district consists
of 3 villages: Village No. 1, managed by Mr. Jeh Mo, Ban Mahae, Ban
Motaetaekae, and Kampong Payor, Village No. 2, the village headman
is Mr. Saha, Ban Hanguhu, Ban Jikanagor, and Village No. 3, the village
headman is Mr. Nudin, Ban Na Ngae, Ban Ra Nge, and Ban Kolor Rae.
Around 1947, the suppression against the members of the
Malayan Communist Party (MCP) was begun by the British government

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that was ruling Malaysia at the time. Some of these members escaped
the suppression and settled in the Hala Sub-district of Thailand, causing
troubles to the Hala communities, which were compelled to gradually
evacuate from the area, and to reside with their relatives in various
districts In Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat Provinces. Finally, all members
of the community had to relocate in Aiyerweng Sub-district (km.29,
Tanyong Kamang, km 32, km 36, and Km 38). The person who was
in charge of the migration of Hala villagers then was the permanent
secretary of Betong District (Permanent Secretary Prapas Sittinarong),
who divided the villagers into 2 groups; the first group was elderly
people who could not travel long distances, so there was a plan to use
helicopters to evacuate them from Hala Community to Goroh District,
Malaysia, because at that time the Malaysian government wanted
more population and, therefore, offered to adopt all Hala people. But
there was a requirement for them to change citizenship to Malaysia
permanently. Such an offer was rejected by Hala villagers because of
their love and bond with the Hala village. Their initial understanding
๕6๒0 HALA - BALA Wildlife to World Heritage

was that this migration was only temporary, facilitating the government
officials to crack down the MCP. The second group was general people,
who migrated on foot from Hala village to Tanyong Kamang village.
The crux of the matter and the issue was that the authorities
had verbally promised the Hala villagers that once the situation was
resolved, they would be able to return to the Hala village once again.
But from that day until today, Hala Sub-district was implicitly deleted
from Betong District due to the subsequent announcements of the gov-
ernment that dictated the utilization of land, such as the declaration of
the area as National Reserve in 1948, land expropriation to build Bang
Lang Dam. Some villages were submerged at the bottom of the dam.
Several changes occurred, including the allocation of area to construct
self-help settlement in Betong District, announcement of the Hala-Bala
Wildlife Sanctuary in 1992, announcement of Bang Lang National Park in
1999, and the government’s announcement of the cancellation of taxing
in the area previously used for benefits.

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Saari Yusoh, a philosopher of the Hala village, recalled that the
reason for their exodus was because in 1950, there was a crackdown on
the communism in Hala Sub-district, which housed approximately 400
people who had land documents which permitted them to cultivate
their lands. This can be verified by the evidence of local maintenance
payment made to the government. Traces of their social community are
now still visible. Significant establishments remained to be seen, such as
a police station, 2 mosques, and 2 Muslim tombs (kubor).
Since 1956, the Hala villagers had to flee from the community that
was serene and abundant in the heart of the Hala forest, according to a
government policy to suppress the influence of the Malayan Communist
Party (MCP), and never had a chance to return to the homeland again.
Hala village became the “Lost Land” and only traces of the community
remained, along with the memory of their birthplace of Hala-Bala Forest.

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Always, history is a subject worth-studying, no matter in
what aspects, whether it’s history of discordance or a constructive
one. Take the story of the Malayan Communist Party (MCP) as an
example. In the past, MCP occupied a certain part of the area on
the Thai-Malaysian border as a strategic base, hiding and preparing
themselves for the fights for their political cause. The movement of
the MCP had a direct influence on the local residents’ way of life,
arts, and cultural, social and political circumstances, and, inevitably,
the inhabitants had to constantly adjust themselves to the changing
environment.
Originally, the former MCP had a base of movement in Malaysia.
Established in 1930, this base was designed to deal with politics and
fighting in Malaysia. The members were severely cracked down by the
64 HALA - BALA Wildlife to World Heritage

Malaysian government. Chenping or Jinpeng, a secretary of the Malayan
Communist Party, decided to lead most of the members to move to
the Thai side, and established their new strategic stronghold, which con-
sisted of Division 8, Division 10, and Division 12. These divisions served
as bases of operations in the cross-boundary area of Thailand-Malaysia,
covering the state of Kedah / Penang, Kelantan / Perak of Malaysia and
areas of Songkhla, Satun, Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat. Later on, the joint
cooperation of the Thai-Malaysian governments was formed to suppress
the MCP movement along the border.
Fortunately, the Thai government has announced the policy
66/23, sloganeering “politics leading military,” making the negotiations
with the MCP to materialize. The members of MCP were tacitly encour-
aged to become “Thai national co-developers” under the trilateral peace
talks among Thailand, Malaysia, and MCP, leading to a historic day of
the ending of the southern turmoil and bringing permanent peace to all
people. A signing ceremony was held on December 2nd, 1989, at Lee
Gardens Hotel, Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province.
From that time onwards, the members of the MCP, whose new
status was changed to the “Thai national co-developers,” regardless of
which groups they had belonged or where they lived in, have become
Thai citizen, leading a simple way of life, without causing any problems
to the society, community, or the country. They are the people with
great potential to help strengthen the development of their communi-
ties until today. This pivotal transformation occurred eminently to the
marginalized communities of the Hala-Bala Forest, once a stronghold
for MCP.
This is the important records that involved not only with Thai-
land, in the area of the southern border provinces, Yala, Pattani, Narathi-
wat and Songkhla, but also a momentous event in Asian history. Even, it
can be regarded as one of the world historical records, as this phenomenal

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transformation captured and reflected the multi-dimensional accounts
of the people, both in concepts, politics, social system, economy, way
of life, the struggle, interwoven with conflicts, loss, beautiful friendships,
and permanent peace among people of different races, religions, and
political stances.
Owing to the trilateral peace agreement made on December 2nd,
1989, there were newly founded villages. Later, the Army Region 4, by
the 5th Infantry, initiated the Project for the Thai National Co-Developers,
with the duration of the project set at 6 years, started from the fiscal year
1990 to 1995. 4 villages were established, namely, Ratanakitti Village 1,
2, 3 and 4, respectively. Later, Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn,
President of the Chulabhorn Research Institute, wished to conduct the
development projects to restore the environment and livelihoods of the
people in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat to ensure the stability in the border
area. Therefore, Her Highness graciously incorporated all 4 Ratanakitti vil-
lages into the project of the Chulabhorn Research Institute, and conferred
those villages with the new names as Chulabhorn Pattana Village 9, 10, 11,
12 on June 28th, 1993.
At present, Chulabhorn Pattana Village 9, Mae Wad Sub-district,
Than To District, Yala Province, Chulabhorn Pattana Village 10 , Aiyerweng
Sub-district, Betong District, Yala Province, Chulabhorn Pattana Village 11,
Bala Sub-district, Kabang District, Yala Province, and Chulabhorn Pattana
Village 12 , Sukirin Sub-district, Sukirin District, Narathiwat Province, and
other villages, including Piyamit Village 1 and 2, Tanoh Mae Ra Sub-district,
Betong District, Yala Province, Piyamit Village 3, Aiyerweng Sub-district,
Betong District, and Piyamit Village 4, Talu Sub-district, Bannang Sata
District, Yala Province, all become the models for self-management and
important tourist destinations, that wisely utilized both of the “historical
capital” and “geographic capital.”

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One of the most important interchangeable factors between the
preservation of the traditional way of life and the modern development
approach seemed to be the emergence of “Bang Lang Dam.”
Bang Lang Dam Power Plant is a multifunctional project, con-
ceived according to the Pattani River Basin Development Plan by Elec-
tricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT). Surveys were gradually
carried out and additional information was gathered for engineering
design, catering to the needs of electricity consumption in this region.
Later, on April 3, 1973, EGAT was designated by the Cabinet to be
responsible for the construction of the Bang Lang Dam Power Plant
Project, and the construction was scheduled to begin in July 1976. The
project was completed in June 1981.
Bang Lang Dam is the first multifunctional dam in the South of
Thailand, located at 33 Moo 1, Khuan Bang Lang Sub-district, Bannang
Sata District, Yala Province. The dam essentially blocked Pattani River at
Ban Bang Lang area, Khuan Bang Lang Sub-district, Bannang Sata District,
Yala Province, which was 58 kilometers far from Muang District. The dam
is rock-filled with clay cores, towering with a height of 85 meters, the
dam ridge is 430 meters long and 10 meters wide. The reservoir has the
containing capacity of 1,420 million cubic meters, designed to receive
the water above the dam of 2,000 square kilometers. During the dam
construction, the affected residents were assisted to evacuate from
the construction area. In the area of Bannang Sata District and Than To
District, approximately 1,100 families would be under water, so EGAT
cooperated and coordinated with relevant government agencies to
provide assistance to the citizens by paying compensation for their lands
and properties at appropriate and fair prices. Land for cultivation and
housing was allocated to the people at a rate of 20 rai per family, 2 rai
68 HALA - BALA Wildlife to World Heritage

for dwelling and 18 rai for cultivation. In addition, agricultural assistance
was provided by the relevant agencies, promoting the establishment of
a cooperative. Approximately 10 million Baht loan was to be allocated
for members to borrow at low interest rates and with the repayment
in long-term installments.
Bang Lang Dam Reservoir, functioning as a dam and power plant,
facilitates the irrigation for agricultural practices in Yala and Pattani, both
of which covered an area of 380,000 rai. The released water generated
electricity at an average of 289 million kilowatt hours per year, solidifying
and stabilizing the electricity system in the south of Thailand, which was
an immeasurable advantage. In addition, the Bang Lang Dam Reservoir
alleviates the frequently happened flood problems in the lower part of
the Pattani River basin, and functions as an important freshwater fishery
in the south, boosting occupation and income for residents living near
the dam. Tourism-wise, Bang Lang Dam Reservoir graciously attracts
visitors as an important tourist destination of Yala Province.

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70 HALA - BALA Wildlife to World Heritage

Bang Lang Lake is the connecting point between the “Bang Lang
National Park “and “Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary.” It is a source
that generates income for local people and an attraction for tour-
ists to visit and experience beautiful nature, a wide variety of wild
animals, especially marine lives, herd of bulls, the world’s largest
flock of hornbills. All these creatures live in the lake area and in
the forest covered with fog all year round.

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72 HALA - BALA Wildlife to World Heritage

ฮาลา - บาลา สู่มรดกโลก 73

The Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary, Bang Lang National Park, and
the Namapithai Forest Park, Southern Region, Zone 2 (Hala-Bala Forest)
all harmoniously shared the same space, but each reflects the unique-
ness as a home for trees and forest lovers. There are different species
of plants thrived in the area, such as Bauhinia aureifolia, Etlingera elatior,
Johannesteijsmannia altifrons., which, for some, the shape looks like a
royal ornament. Hence the name “Bangsun” (a fan-shaped item used
in royal ceremony). Even Tetrameles nudiflora R.Br., the giant perennial
tree, is also found. The Hala-Bala Forest is distinctively colorful when
Shorea are blossoming during the turn of season.
Information from “Hala-Bala Natural Forest Study Route Guide,”
compiled by Department of Wildlife and Plant Conservation National
Park, identifies the Hala-Bala Forest as a tropical rainforest situated in the
Indo-Malayan geographic region, in the Sunda Sub-region. This forest is
abundantly blessed with a unique biodiversity unlike any other forest
areas in Thailand. Hala-Bala Forest is a steep complex-formation moun-
tain, interspersed with vast waters and large and small streams, adorning
the forest with high biodiversity. It contains economically valuable trees,
medicinal plants, flora and fauna, and is an important source of plant
genetics.
Hala-Bala is the source of the three major rivers of the lower
South, namely, the Pattani River, the Saiburi River, and the Sungai Go-Lok
River, and a source of water supply for Bang Lang Dam as well.
In a nutshell, the Hala-Bala Forest is a tropical rainforest, which
shared the same border with the Royal Belum State Park of Perak State,
northern Malaysia. When the total forest area is combined, it is considered
74 HALA - BALA Wildlife to World Heritage

the largest tropical rainforest on the Malay Peninsula, and is one of the
three tropical rainforests that exist on the planet, namely, tropical rain-
forest of the American continent, tropical rainforest of Africa, and the
tropical rainforest of Asia. Hala-Bala Forest is classified as Malayan-Type
Forest, which is unique and different from other rainforests found in Thai-
land. It consists of unique species of flora known as the ‘Red Meranti’ or
Malaysian tree species which are not found in other forests of Thailand,
for examples, Shorea curtisii, Shorea assamica, Neobalanocarpus heimii,
and Teysmannia altifrons. The relatively stable climate
and high humidity throughout the year makes the Hala-Bala Forest a
very high biodiversity; from bacteria, fungi, and java moss species, to a
wide variety of plants. There are herds of wild animals in the forest and
plants that are unique and different from other forests. Hala-Bala Forest
is home to perennials of great economic value, and is also a source of
rare varieties of Arecaceae and Palmae, which are now prone to extinc-
tion. In addition, this forest is home for many types of plants and flowers
with beautiful leaves, grown as ornamental plants, especially plants in
Arecaceae and Orchidaceae.

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Information from “Hala-Bala Natural Forest Study Guide” by the
Department of Wildlife and Plants National Park clearly states that “The
ecosystem found in this forest is a valuable natural heritage, with the
biodiversity worthy of conserving and preserving, in all three aspects: the
complexity of living species, the diversity of species, and the abundance
of natural genetic resources.” There are differences in forest structure and
plant species in the tropical rainforests. The plant species in Hala-Bala
Forest are those of the Tropical Lowland Rain Forest, the trees grown in
an area with an altitude of unexceeding 600 meters above sea level. 5
height categories of this rainforest are detailed as follows.
1. EMERGENT LAYER is the top layer of the rainforest, approx-
imately 40 meters up. The canopy will emerge above the other trees
76 HALA - BALA Wildlife to World Heritage

nearby to receive the sunlight. The plants in this group include koompassia
excelsa Taub. Dialium indum. Meranti, Shorea hypochra Hance., and Calico
plant.
2. DOMINANT LAYER is the second highest level trees, about 20-
30 meters high. The canopies are not crowded, but cascade by height,
allowing the side canopy to receive more sunlight while the top canopies
are fully exposed to light. The plants found are similar to the Emergent
Layer, but are younger. Additional species include Intsia bijuga, Allium
ampeloprasum, Cynometra malaccensis Meeuwen. Sindora coriacea (Bฺ ak.),
Prain. D. graveolens, Elateriospermum tapos Bl., and Parkia speciosa.
3. The Medium High Layer is referred to the trees with the heights
between 10-20 meters. The canopies of this category are obscured by the
dominant layers, allowing only some parts on the top to receive the light.
The trees in this class are similar to those of the higher layers, but younger.
Examples of other species are MELIACEAE, Myrtaceae, Annonaceae, and
Clusiaceae.
4. The SHRUB LAYER. The trees in this category have a height of 5
meters and thus receives very small amount of light. Most of the shrubs
hardly depend on sunlight to thrive, the examples of which are Annonaceae
, Euphorbiaceae, Rubiaceae, and Arecaceae.
5. FOREST FLOOR is the height category of the trees of less than
1 meter. The plants found are the seedlings of the higher trees and partly
are the low shrubs and biennial plants such as Alpinia galanga, Arecoideae,
Arecaceae, Gesneriaceae, and a group of ferns.
In addition to all five layers as described above, there is another
group of plants that can be found in every height category, that is, climbers,
parasites, and epiphytic plants attached to trees or other objects, reserving
their energy for their growth forms.
In Hala-Bala Forest, there is Dipterocarpaceae, which exhibits its
distinctive feature of large perennials. The wood exudes clear liquid rubber

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and often has a pungent odor, and GUMS on the trunk. In Thailand,
8 genera, 65 species were found, and in Hala-Bala forest, there are 7
genera, 30 species. Hala-Bala Forest, therefore, has the highest variety of
Dipterocarpaceae in the country, many of which can be sighted exclu-
sively in this forest, such as Shorea leprosula, Shorea pauciflora, Shorea
assamica, Shorea faguetiana, and Shorea roxburghii G.Don. Some species
are Thailand’s New Record, including Hopea odorata (White).
Different types of Fabaceae, whether biennial, shrub or perennial,
have been found in Hala-Bala Forest, examples of which are Archiden-
dron bubalinum (jack) I.C. Nielsen. , Cynometra ramiflora., Malacca Teak.
Around the world, there are about 550 genera of this family, but there
are as many as 95 genera found in Thailand. Fabaceae is the third most
abundant plant in the world. Koompassia excelsa Taub. has straight, tall,
erect trunk, and buttress at the base. The leaves are formed in a shape
of odd-pinnate, with 7-11 leaflets. It has small pink flowers, and a long
flat pod slightly twisted. The wood from koompassia excelsa Taub. is
78 HALA - BALA Wildlife to World Heritage

generally used for interior construction. These trees can be found in Yala
and Narathiwat Provinces only, and are regarded as the dominant trees
of the Hala-Bala Forest.
There are reports indicating that koompassia excelsa Taub. in
Malaysia grow as tall as 85 meters, and are considered the tallest tree in
Southeast Asia, and the third in the world after Giant Redwood (Sequoi-
asemper) of America and (E-regan) of Australia. As for Arecoideae and
Calameae, there are more than 200 genera worldwide. They are the tropical
or subtropical plants. In Thailand, there are about 30 genera, divided into 8
Sub-families. Calameae is one of Arecaceae, and, in Thailand, the survey
found 10 genera, 78 species. In the Hala-Bala Forest, 10 genera, 30 species
were found, making Hala-Bala the forest with a high diversity of Calameae.
There are also epiphytic plants such as Platycerium ridleyi H.
Chris., which attach themselves on the treetops, Bird’s-nest fern on orchids
and lichens (algae + mold), and primordial plants over 400 million years
that are still in existence. Scientific discovery has confirmed that plants

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had their origin in the world more than 600 million years ago, from Green
algae, and their appearance gradually changed into more complicated
forms owing to the genetics and the changing environment of the world.
The plants that still exist in environments similar to those of the past
are plants in the moss and ferns family such as Cycadales, pine trees,
Podocarpus neriifolius, and Ginkgo biloba, which have existed for about
400 million years. To have the larger root system and buttresses, the root
system must be strong. Some trees have specific climbers to help secure
the rooting, especially trees in the mangrove swamp or mangrove forest.
By the natural features, the trees in that area are large trees and sprawl-
ing branches. When a thunderstorm comes, the trees are vulnerable and
at risk of falling down. Therefore, they develop their root system to be
consistent with their canopies, by creating buttresses that spread around
the base, or stilt roots which grow out of the stem or branches to anchor
with the ground.
Truly, Hala - Bala is the home for trees and nature lovers.
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Data from the Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary showed that this
forest is habitat for wildlife in the Sunda Sub-region. This abundant
tropical rainforest merges with the Royal Belum State Park in Malaysia,
allowing wild animals to roam freely back and forth between the two
countries. There are several types of wildlife that are classified as rare
wild animals, including Dicerorhinus sumatrensis, Malayan Tapir, bulls,
Bengal tiger, Serows and wild elephants. There are 217 species of birds,
114 genera, 38 families. For mammals, there are 144 species, 84 genera,
38 families, whereas there are 30 species of reptiles, 24 genera, and 9
families. In the sanctuary, there are 23 species of Amphibians, 15 genera,
and 9 families.
In the past, hundreds and thousands of “Plain-pouched Hornbill
(Blyth’s Hornbill)” were sighted, which were the largest flock ever recorded
by the television crew of one TV channel. That attracted many people to
witness and experience in the area where this image was captured; that
was the Hala watershed, in the middle of the Hala-Bala Forest. One of
the keen contributors of hornbills is “Prida Tiansongrusmee,” the hornbill
protector of the Budo Mountains, who devoted one’s life to hornbill
conservation and received Khon Khon Khon Award, in the category of
Anonymous Creator. And even today, Prida is still devoting one’s self to
work in the area with unwavering determination. This commitment is the
perpetuation of the work of Professor Emeritus Dr. Pilai Poonswad, who
has been called the “Great Mother of the Hornbills”, who had worked
hard to save hornbills in the area for a long time.
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Around the world, there are a total of 54 species of hornbills, 13 of
which are found in Thailand. 10 out of 13 species are sighted in the Hala
- Bala Forest, which is the home to numerous wild animals such as Asian
arowana, Tor douronensis, Siamang, and herds of bulls. Many trekkers and
forest lovers often hide themselves and watch these animals at the site
called “Wang Pla Chon” or “Lan Krating” where the Hala River beautifully
meanders at the mouth of river. This large and moderately wide grassland
is completely flooded in rainy season. But when the drought season arrives,
the grass will grow, attracting the last herd of “bulls” in the Hala-Bala Forest,
believed to be about 70 in total, to gather. Also sighted are other animals
such as Flying fish, wild boars, and wild elephants, which the villagers have
informed that there are at least a hundred of them.
Recently, there has been a report that the “Footprints of Dicer-
orhinus sumatrensis” were found by mammalian researchers from Natural
History Museum, the National Science Museum, and the researchers from
Hala Bala Wildlife Research Station, Swamp Forest, Hala-Bala Forest, De-
partment of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. The site where
Dicerorhinus sumatrensis were spotted was in Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary,
Yala Province. A team of researchers walked up to explore the mountaintop
of “Yod Hala”, Bannang Sata District, and Betong District, from 31 May 2014
to 7 June 2014.
“The discovered footprints of Dicerorhinus sumatrensis were be-
lieved to be more than one season old because they were the old traces.
However, the shape of the footprints, nail marks, and the size are clear
enough evidence to ensure that this area is the home of endangered wildlife
species in Thailand and the World.” This is the message in the key report.
In essence, Hala-Bala Forest seems to be the last home of Dic-
erorhinus sumatrensis in Thailand. This reminds us all that Dicerorhinus
sumatrensis have not yet been extinct from Thailand, and evidently reflects
the greatness of Hala-Bala Forest.
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Hala-Bala Forest has significant capitals of natural resources that
have long been cherished in the area. The forest has become a source
of livelihood for local people, who make their living by collecting foods
and natural produce, but not in a manner that is destructive to natural
resources and the environment. It is a source of educational tourism for
botanists and trekkers from all over the country. Yet, this precious forest
has been facing with many problems that arose continuously.
Over the years, the news reports about Hala-Bala Forest were
circulated through various channels of media, whether via the mainstream
or social media. For some people, they gain the direct experience with
the Hala-Bala Forest and the surrounding forests. And widely perceived
was the encroachment on natural resources, by deforestation, intrusion
and seizure of forest areas, which were turned into rubber plantations
and fruit orchard. There were news events about hunting or poaching
of wild animals, and stealing of the baby hornbills.
These are major problems that all parties concerned should
seek for solutions and preventive measures, and working together to
conserve these forests before the charm sadly disappears.
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1. Hala-Bala Forest is in itself a very remarkable capital of
natural resources, bound closely with the way of life of the com-
munity, as reflected through multi-faceted cultural manifestation
in the daily life of the villagers.
2. Communities are stimulated to participate in conserving
and preserving forestry and wildlife resources.
3. The villagers have a way of life, cultivate art and culture,
and maintain social system, the economy, closely tied with this
forest.
4. If Hala-Bala Forest is announced a World Heritage, the
businesses related to tourism in the southern border provinces
will be promoted accordingly on a sustainable manner.
5. The participation will contribute to the sustainability of
the forest and joint-community management.

1. The forests have been encroached and cleared by
investors and certain individuals.
2. Natural resources, both forest and wildlife, have been
hunted and destroyed continuously.
3. Villagers have faced with problems about land use and
livelihood due to unclear identification of the forest lines.

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With an understanding of the situation and with a concern
for the misuse of natural resources in the area, the idea of promoting
the Hala-Bala Forest to the “ASEAN Transboundary Heritage” and
towards the ultimate goal of being registered as “World Heritage”
from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Or-
ganization (UNESCO) was conceived. This mission was included in
Rajabhat University Strategic Project for Local Development, led by
the Center for Local Promotion and Development, Yala Rajabhat
University. The planned activities will be conducted to advance
the Hala-Bala Forest to be registered as a World Heritage, with the
combination between world cultural and natural heritage.

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Not long ago, there were attempts to coordinate and initiate the
operations in different stages. A network of cooperation from various
sectors was sought, especially in the coordination with Mr. Adilan Ali
Isha, MP Yala Region 1, Palangpracharat Party, to collect information
and prepare for an inquiry on “promoting the Hala-Bala Forest to a
World Heritage,” which was made in the House of Representatives
held on 24 June 2020. The inquiry appeared to be the media appeal
and an interesting issue for academics and many people. On Thairath
newspaper appeared the headline: “Yala MP, Palangpracharat, asks the
government to advance the Hala-Bala Forest to a World Heritage.” Daily
News newspaper put the headline: “Adilan urges the government to
move the Hala-Bala Forest forward to become a World Heritage” and
mgronline said: “ Yala MP proposes the State to push for the Hala-Bala
Forest to World Heritage.”
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