🎉 A Year of learning ang growth for sustainable forestry in Thailand.
🚀5 Impacts from the LoCoFoRest program 🌳🇸🇪🇹🇭
- 1. Connect From Global to Local
- 2. Unite key stakeholders
- 3. Ignite Innovation
- 4. Promote Thailand Soft Power
- 5. Drive Toward Sustainability
Over the past year, TNIU (Thailand and Nordic Countries Innovation Unit) has had the opportunity to participate in the LoCoFoRest (Locally-led Controlled Forest Restoration) program from Sweden, which emphasizes community-driven initiatives for forest restoration.
Phrae Province has been identified as a key strategic location for advancing a fully integrated economic forestry industry. The province is renowned for its high-value teak wood and quality wooden furniture, as well as its strong communities and collaboration between the public sector, private sector, and academic institutions. With the vision of establishing a model “Sustainable Wood City” in Thailand and fostering international knowledge exchange, Phrae was selected as the project’s implementation site.
The process began with coordination and field visits in Phrae Province in mid-2024 to study the area, organize meetings and discussions, and engage with local stakeholders in developing the ‘Phrae Sustainable Wood City’ project. (Click here to review the process)
From January 12–18, 2025, experts from the Swedish Forest Agency (SFA), Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), and Eco-Innovation Foundation (EIF), along with international forestry specialists from five countries—Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Nepal, and Ethiopia—totaling over 60 participants, traveled to Thailand to visit key locations such as Khao Krayang Forest Plantation in Phitsanulok, Bueng Boraphet in Nakhon Sawan, and a major highlight in Phrae Province. The purpose was to study Thailand’s forest management and ecosystem conservation approaches, and further develop the Phrae Sustainable Wood City model. Discussions also focused on advancing a forest-based economy, emphasizing an inclusive approach that covers the entire value chain, from upstream to downstream.
The LoCoFoRest Thailand team consisted of TNIU (Thailand and Nordic Countries Innovation Unit), the Forest Industry Organization (FIO), and the Natural Resources and Environment Office of Sa Kaeo Province, presented the Change Project initiatives and organized a brainstorming workshop with international experts and local leaders driving sustainable forestry in Phrae. This visit marked the largest international exchange the province has ever hosted.
The study visit
The history of Thai forestry, the current situation, and the future direction of forest development in Phrae.
At the Green House Forest Learning Center, Ban Khiew, Chetawan Arboretum, which was originally a historic building housing the Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation, a major British timber concession company. Later, in 1901, it became the Phrae Regional Forestry Office under the Royal Forest Department. This site stands as a symbol of Phrae’s once-thriving forestry industry, strategically located along the Yom River, a key route for timber rafting.
Although the original structure was demolished, it has since been fully restored in 2024 through a collaborative effort involving the Association of Siamese Architects, the Fine Arts Department, local communities, and various government agencies. The restoration process emphasized public participation at every stage.
The LoCoFoRest delegation’s visit was particularly significant, as it coincided with the official opening of Thailand’s first historical forestry exhibition at this site.
Mr. Chaiyasit Chaisamritpol, Deputy Governor of Phrae, highlighted the province’s fifth-largest natural forest area and its high-quality local teak wood, making it an ideal hub for a sustainable timber industry. While forestry remains a major income source, declining wood demand and deforestation call for discussions on the industry’s future.
LoCoFoRest Thailand team and Phrae Wood City Committee together hosted discussions on transforming Phrae into a Sustainable Wood City and the role of key stakeholders. The arboretum at the Green House has become a community hub, promoting environmental awareness, forest-based tourism, and cultural integration. Visitors can explore forestry education, relax in nature, and enjoy “Music in the Park” events. (Stay tuned for upcoming events!)
🌳Sustainable Forest Plantation Techniques and Glulam Production Technology from Teak Wood
At the Forest Industry Organization (FIO) in Rong Kwang District, Phrae Province, teak wood is certified under the Forest Stewardship Certification (FSC) standard. The focus is on thinning techniques, which help create space for teak trees to grow to their full potential and maintain high quality. In Thailand, teak harvesting cycles start at 30 years or more, significantly faster than in colder climates like Sweden, due to Thailand’s favorable climate and sunlight conditions.
However, monoculture forest plantations present challenges, including land-use efficiency and long-term return periods, which discourage small-scale farmers from engaging in forestry. In response, FIO has increasingly adopted agroforestry practices, integrating teak with economic crops such as corn to provide farmers with additional income sources. The impact of this approach on wood quality remains under study.
Additionally, monoculture plantations and climate change contribute to pest and disease issues, such as the teak worm outbreak. These pests bore holes into the wood, reducing its quality and making it unsuitable for high-end furniture production.
FIO has initiated innovation projects to add value to degraded teak wood or small-diameter thinned teak by developing glulam (glue-laminated timber). This process enhances the wood’s strength and durability, making it suitable for wooden building components. Currently, this technology is being developed in collaboration with private companies, preparing to meet the future demand of Thailand’s wood-based construction industry.
🌳Educating Thai Youth and Community Collaboration
At Phrae Saeng Thian Temple Community Forest in Rong Kwang District, spanning 164 rai, the forest is more than just a natural space—it is a living connection between children, the community, and Buddhist teachings. It serves as a center for learning and cultural exchange, enriching both its ecological and social significance and ensuring its legacy is passed down to future generations.
Swedish experts organized interactive workshops to enhance understanding of:
- Collaboration between the government, private sector, academia, and society to support community forest development.
- Optimizing teak plantation techniques to maximize land use value and increase community income.
- Identifying opportunities within the ecosystem to create a balanced approach to economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
Watch the event highlights here: Click
🌳Strengthening collaboration between academia and industry.
Phrae is home to over 1,500 furniture manufacturers. The key challenge is how to enhance product value and quality to meet market demands.
A great example of collaboration between academia and local enterprises is the “Boon-Share Senior Chair” Project in the Hua Dong Furniture Trading Community Enterprise, Don Moon Subdistrict. This initiative utilizes sustainably sourced teak wood from the Phrae Forest Industry Organization.
The project brings together multiple stakeholders from enterprises, community colleges, and universities. Together, they are developing ergonomic furniture tailored for the elderly, ensuring both functionality and comfort. Once the designs are finalized, local furniture manufacturers take over production and distribution, creating economic opportunities for the community while addressing an important societal need.
Soon, Phrae Community College will launch an Associate Degree in Forest Resource and Environmental Management, supported by the Royal Forest Department. The college is also interested in collaborating with the LoCoFoRest training program from Sweden in the future.
Thailand’s Largest Wetland: Bueng Boraphet, Nakhon Sawan Province
Bueng Boraphet, Thailand’s largest freshwater lake, is a vital wetland supporting diverse wildlife, including over one-third of the country’s bird species and freshwater crocodiles. To address past conflicts over resource use, key stakeholders implemented a “Give, Conserve, Restrict” zoning system, balancing community livelihoods with ecological preservation. This collaborative effort has made Bueng Boraphet a national model for sustainable wetland management.
Watch the Bueng Boraphet management video here.
🚀5 Impacts of the LoCoFoRest Project 🌳🇸🇪🇹🇭
1.Connect From Global to Local
The brainstorming session with experts from five countries marked the largest international forestry conference ever held in Phrae, fostering knowledge exchange and driving the green economy forward.
Sweden, a global leader in sustainable forest management, successfully restored its forest cover from 30% to 70% within a century while maintaining its position as a top-five global exporter of wood and pulp products. The country has pioneered numerous innovations, including the construction of high-rise wooden buildings to offset CO₂ emissions from the concrete industry. The concept of Bio-based / Wood Cities has emerged as a market-driven mechanism to promote sustainable forest management and maximize resource efficiency.
Swedish experts introduced new perspectives on transforming Phrae into Thailand’s premier teakwood and furniture city. The key challenge now is how to leverage Phrae’s existing strengths to establish the “Phrae Sustainable Wood City.” Discussions are currently underway to explore opportunities for a Capacity Building program to further develop this initiative.
2. Unite key stakeholders
From the LoCoFoRest – Change Project, more than 60 organizations from the public sector, private sector, local communities, and academia participated in meetings and workshops. This represents a Quadruple Helix collaboration, fostering a comprehensive approach that integrates efforts across the entire forestry value chain—from upstream to midstream and downstream.
Phrae has now officially established the Phrae Wood City Committee, comprising over 26 key agencies as a central platform for knowledge exchange and the strategic development of a Sustainable Wood City. This initiative ensures continuous and robust progress through cross-sector collaboration.
Following the success of the Change Project in Phrae, Sweden has expressed strong support for furthering the province’s vision of becoming an economic wood city. The first step will be inviting members of the Phrae Wood City Committeeto Sweden this year for a study visit, followed by ongoing initiatives to promote Thailand-Sweden knowledge exchangein sustainable forestry and wood-based urban development.
3. Ignite Innovation
New Innovations Emerging from the LoCoFoRest Project
3.1. Value-Added Innovation from Wood Waste
The Forest Industry Organization (FIO) has developed a method to repurpose teak wood affected by leafworm damage and thinning practices into glulam (glued laminated timber). This innovation aims to enhance the usability of smaller or lower-grade teak by transforming it into structural panels for high-rise buildings. The development is currently undergoing testing in collaboration with private-sector companies.
3.2. Systemic Change Innovation
Recognizing the historical roots of Phrae’s teak furniture industry, this initiative seeks to transition from traditional wood-based industries toward a sustainable wood city vision. The goal is to establish Phrae as a “Wood City Sandbox” – a Special Economic Zone for sustainable forestry and wood-based industries. This transformation emphasizes a holistic approach, incorporating international, national, and local collaboration networks to drive meaningful and inclusive change.
4.Promote Thailand Soft Power
A great opportunity for community-based tourism, highlighting the charm of Northern Thai cuisine, warm hospitality, traditional craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural heritage woven into every experience. International participants also had the unique chance to dress in traditional Thai attire, creating joyful, unforgettable memories and adding vibrant smiles to this cross-cultural exchange.
5. Drive Toward Sustainability
Finally, the collaboration to develop a Sustainable Wood City has the potential to generate far-reaching benefits. Communities are empowered and motivated to grow, cities gain new economic opportunities under a reimagined forest economy, and nature and the environment are managed sustainably for future generations. Most importantly, this initiative aligns with Thailand’s climate goals—achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero emissions by 2065. Time is running out, and action is crucial. 🌎💚
A heartfelt thank you to all organizations, speakers, and both Thai and international experts who contributed to making this impact possible. TNIU is committed to continuing its role in advancing Thai-Nordic innovation partnerships towards a just and green transition.
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