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Forest reclamation in northern Thailand
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In some parts of national forests in Nan, trees big are replaced by corn fields.

Farmers cut roads into the forests and grow crops.

An initiative is launched to turn corn fields to forests again, starting with 300 rai of land voluntarily returned by farmers.

Initiating this, Kasikornbank Chairman Banthoon Lamsam said private sector's involvement is the key to the forest reclamation project.

More farmers vow not to encroach forests and will return encroached land if someone ensures them that through outside assistance, they can support themselves financially.

The first partner is Charoen Pokphand Group, represented here by executive director Supachai Chearavanont.

In August, Banthoon, Supachai and forests conservationists grow bamboo trees on the reclaimed land.

All aim to turn the corn fields into bamboo forests

As they had lunch, both know more work must be done to find a right model to sustainably help farmers and preserve forests.