Public Objects to Kaeng Krachan Trail Run Citing Wildlife Concerns
Residents and environmental groups have submitted a petition opposing the Wild Race trail run event scheduled for November 1 in Kaeng Krachan National Park, citing fears that the large influx of participants could disturb wildlife and damage the UNESCO World Heritage site. Organizers, including the National Parks Association and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, argue that the proposed routes are already used by the park for regular patrols and bird‑watching, and will not harm the ecosystem. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s deputy permanent secretary is set to hear the public’s concerns.
Residents submitted a letter opposing the ‘trail run’ at Kaeng Krachan, fearing it would disturb wildlife. On 15 October 2026, at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Phaya Thai District, Bangkok, representatives of the public filed a complaint against the Wild Race @ Kaeng Krachan World Heritage trail run scheduled for 1 November at Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi Province. The event offers distances of 5 km, 10 km, 23 km and 33 km. It is organized by the National Parks Association and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, with proceeds intended for forest welfare programs. Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Nipon Jumnongsirirak, acting as Director‑General of the Department of Mineral Resources, was appointed to receive public feedback.
Public representatives expressed concern about possible impacts on the World Heritage site, including risks from waste, pollution and area management, especially the simultaneous influx of large numbers of participants, which could disturb natural wildlife behavior, causing animals to startle, flee or change feeding patterns, with long‑term effects on their survival.
They also noted that Kaeng Krachan National Park is a vital area for natural resources and biodiversity, home to many species such as tigers, gaurs and elephants, and that any activity in the park must consider the fragility of the ecosystem, the safety of wildlife and the preservation of the natural environment.
In contrast, Paseed Eawpanich, president of the National Parks Association, said the race routes would not affect wildlife because they are already used by the park for regular patrols and bird‑watching groups, and thanked everyone for their concern for the park’s wildlife and World Heritage forest.
