Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary

Thungyai Naresuan is a large wildlife sanctuary in mountainous terrain with limestone formations and diverse landscapes across thousands of square kilometers. The area contains evergreen forests, grasslands, and steep slopes that create different environments for animals throughout the region.

The area was named after King Naresuan of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, who established military bases here between 1590 and 1605 during his campaigns to defend the region. This royal connection from centuries ago shaped how people later decided to protect the land as a sanctuary.

Local Karen communities live within designated areas of the sanctuary and practice traditional ways of life that show visitors how people can coexist with the forest sustainably. Their presence shapes how the place functions today as both a home and a protected environment.

Access to the sanctuary requires an advance permit and visitors must hire an authorized guide to enter through marked entry points. It is wise to check current conditions before planning your visit, as the remote location and weather can affect access.

The sanctuary shelters a population of around 200 Indochinese tigers, making it one of the most critical survival grounds for this species in Southeast Asia. This concentration of an endangered predator is what makes protection of this landscape so important for wildlife conservation efforts.

Location: Tak

Inception: 1974

Part of: Western Forest Complex, Thungyai-Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuaries

GPS coordinates: 15.33333,98.91667

Latest update: December 20, 2025 15:17