Abstract

Paradoxically, legal measures could be one of the factors contributing to forest reduction instead of preventing it. This study analyzed how Thailand’s forest laws and policies affect a suburban forest that provides multiple services to surrounding communities. Document analysis was employed to reach the goal, and a quantitative survey was carried out to explore the 190 community people’s perceptions of the laws and their shortcomings. The results showed that five major acts are directly relevant to forest protection. These acts include the Forest Act B.E. 2484, the National Reserved Forest Act B.E. 2507, the National Parks Act B.E. 2562, the Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act B.E. 2562, and the Community Forest Act B.E. 2562. The terms and penalties of each act are highlighted and compared in this study. The opinion survey demonstrated that there were expected forest utilizations that deviated from the laws, and, more significantly, that they were not perceived rightly by the people. The results led to several improvement guidelines for relevant and responsible governmental agencies.