CHIANG RAI - Northern Thailand is entering an era where green development is no longer just an idea. A small decrease in Thailand's forest area, only 0.03%, is now having an effect on supply chains across the north and is a sign for the whole country to take notice.
On a misty morning in Doi Tung, visitors still take in the sights, but now there is a new topic of conversation: the latest figures on Thailand's forest area for 2024. The country now holds forest cover at 31.46% of its land, about 101.78 million rai, down by roughly 32,884 rai or 0.03% from the year before.
While this sounds minor, for places like Chiang Rai, where the economy depends on natural resources, even small losses matter.
Local incomes from tourism, highland agriculture, food production, and water quality from upstream forests are all linked to healthy forests. This minor decline is now putting the entire northern economy to the test.
Over the last ten years (2015-2024), Thailand gained around 332,000 rai in new forests but lost over 832,000 rai in the same period. These numbers highlight a chronic issue: forest recovery efforts cannot keep up with land conversion and recurring risks.
Chiang Rai's economy is built on tourism and high-value agriculture. Water sources originate from forests and sustain tea, coffee, cool-climate fruit, and organic farming, especially in the valleys. Eco-tourism, local homestays, community crafts, and farm-to-table businesses all start with forest health.
When even a small area of forest disappears, the hidden costs pile up: there is a higher risk of floods and droughts, poorer air during the dry season, and rising costs for health and tourism businesses. All these eat into profits, even if people do not notice it day to day.
While national figures only show a small decrease, the north - especially hill areas - faces the annual risk of wildfires and smoke. Tourism businesses, especially during the dry and hot season, suffer when air quality worsens. Everything from trip cancellations to higher insurance costs for visitors now depends on the number of clear-air days, which are linked directly to controlling fires and managing forest fuel loads.
Forests that remain or grow now drive new opportunities. Sustainable tourism, high-value agriculture like tea and coffee, and payment schemes for ecosystem services attract both visitors and investors. The local carbon credit market is also getting interest. For Chiang Rai, where branding focuses on clean air, natural beauty, and strong culture, keeping forests healthy is not just about the environment but a focused strategy for boosting income.
Several provinces in the north and central regions have increased their forest area by planning carefully and encouraging communities to get involved in forest management. This approach helps them create green products, GI goods, and develop low-carbon tourism.
Chiang Rai, at the crossroads of major tourism routes (such as Doi Tung, Mae Sai, Mae Fah Luang, and Mae Chan), needs to turn its natural strengths into real economic advantages by preserving its forests.
Chiang Rai is not among the provinces with increased forest in the latest year, but it sits at the centre of a region that loses forest area the fastest. The north has around 63.19% forest cover (about 37.95 million rai), but lost close to 29,884 rai in 2024 alone. These figures are a warning for Chiang Rai, highlighting that the area is at risk of falling behind.
The northern region holds the highest proportion of forests in Thailand, but also suffers the greatest overall annual losses. Other regions show different trends:
Central and eastern provinces have made gains by focusing on careful planning and economic benefits for communities. The north can adapt these strategies, but will also need fresh ideas for managing fuel loads, handling wildfires, and creating new incomes during the dry season to stop the cycle of forest loss.
Many provinces, including Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Uthai Thani, Chainat, Lopburi, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Ang Thong, Nakhon Pathom, Prachinburi, Chachoengsao, Sa Kaeo, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chumphon, Satun, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Roi Et, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, and Surin, show that expanding forest area is possible with the right focus and tools.
Yet, there are still two provinces with no forest at all: Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani. These are urban centres facing the challenge of balancing city growth with green space. Meeting this challenge will help them reduce heat and improve air quality, supporting investment and quality of life.
A drop of just 0.03% in a single year may not seem serious, but the overall decade-long trend shows a consistent loss. Thailand needs to shift its approach. Chiang Rai now faces a key question: how to turn its natural setting into a source of ongoing, competitive advantage.
When forests are seen as assets, the economic cycle in Chiang Rai and the north becomes much stronger. Healthy forests lead to cleaner water and air, support valuable farming and tourism, and feed money back to local communities. This, in turn, brings back more forest cover.
Losing just 0.03 of % forest might seem unimportant in daily headlines. For Chiang Rai, which relies on green growth, it raises real concerns about future income and liveability. Now, the region must treat its forests as economic assets needing professional management.
If this happens, Chiang Rai will not only be better prepared for the annual haze but could stand out as a green city for the north, where nature is a direct source of jobs, money, and pride for its people.