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ABSTRACT
The Illegal Extraction of Mai hom, a Non-timber Forest Product, in Khao Yai National
Park, Northeast Thailand
Christie M. Young, Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies
In 1962, the Kingdom of Thailand designated “Big Mountain,” Khao Yai as its first national park. This act
was an effort to safeguard rapidly diminishing natural resources as well as further socioeconomic
development in the nation. Today, the illegal extraction of the culturally and economically important nontimber forest product, mai hom, in the park has become a complex, multi-faceted issue. Mai hom, the resin
soaked heartwood of the aloewood tree, Aquilaria crassna Pierre ex H. Lec. (Thymelaeceae) is coveted
worldwide for the fabrication of medicines and aromatic products. Ecologically, the illegal extraction of
mai hom threatens both the long-term viability of the Aquilaria population as well as the impressive
biodiversity within Khao Yai National Park. This paper analyzes the social, economic, and political issues
surrounding this problem. Improper implementation, administrative disorganization and disinterest, and
an inability to thoroughly analyze and reconcile the problem of illegal mai hom extraction all contribute
to the problem. My proposed conservation alternative targets three levels: local, national, and international. First, on the local scale, improved ranger patrols within and around the park perimeter emphasize
increased safety and preparedness. The ranger patrol brigade will include ex-mai hom collectors in the task
force, with the aim of providing employment opportunities, decreasing hostile encounters in the forest,
and utilizing the experience of former collectors. Environmental education in local communities is another
local component. Second, community-based Aquilaria plantations will supply both the demand for mai
hom, as well as provide additional employment opportunities to the local population. Third, at the national
level, increased penalties for poaching will serve as a greater deterrent against opportunistic collectors and
put economic pressure on organized mai hom operations. Fourth, at the international level, the Royal
Forest Department and non-governmental organizations can place Aquilaria on the Convention on the
International Trade of Plants and Animals international endangered species list. This will enlist international leverage and advocacy to spread awareness of the situation. The illegal extraction of mai hom is a
volatile and complex social and ecological issue. This problem may be addressed in large part by the
recommended conservation strategy, with greatest emphasis at the local scale. Evaluations and improvements must be encouraged. The resulting policies should be increasingly tailored to the needs of the current
situation with an eye toward the future.
CHRISTIE M. YOUNG received a Master of Forest Scientist degree (2000) at the Yale School of Forestry &
Environmental Studies. Her research interests focus on tropical forest ecology and management with useful
applications to local people and developing countries. She is particularly interested in economic botany, social
justice, and ecosystemology. A University of California Berkeley graduate, Christie has worked in Thailand, Ecuador,
Mexico, and Hawaii. She has aspirations to live in the tropics, teach students in the field and conduct research that
is socially and ecologically responsible.
Christie M. Young, 35679 Dee Place, Fremont, CA 94536. Phone: (510) 792-1168;
Email: christie.young@aya.yale.edu
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