The role of a ‘watchdog’—or, in the context of the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation, the ‘forest watchdog’or ‘forest guard dog’—is a core function the Foundation has performed since its establishment. This is considered a necessary duty to monitor threats to forests, wildlife, and natural resources. The objective is to conserve natural resources for sustainable benefit, both now and in the future. This work is a direct continuation of the legacy of Mr. Seub Nakhasathien, who passionately advocated for the preservation of the wild lands during the protests against the Nam Choan Dam and the logging concessions in Huai Kha Khaeng Forest.

The primary duty of the ‘forest guard dog’ is to present sufficient information to decision-makers before they approve, suspend, or reject projects that could impact forests and wildlife.

Initially, the Foundation defined its scope of work as: “To conserve natural forest areas nationwide, monitoring any projects, policies, or legislation that could create long-term impacts on the forests.” This is reflected in a passage from its current vision, which states: “To be a leading conservation organization in monitoring situations that affect forests, wildlife, and natural resources, with the aim of mitigating threats and restoring Thailand’s biodiversity through academic principles.”

A critical aspect of the Foundation’s monitoring work is its emphasis on gathering data and factual evidence. This requires establishing a solid knowledge base, doing their homework, visiting the actual sites, and thoroughly studying the background and origin of an issue.

Once the information is complete, the points of opposition are brought before the Foundation’s board for consideration, analysis, and synthesis to determine the most effective strategy for halting the threats. Actions taken include: sending formal letters to stakeholders, project leaders, and approving authorities to explain the potential impacts and detail the negative consequences (which are often absent from official reports); participating in public forums to clarify the details; and, crucially, using communication and the media as a mouthpiece to broadcast the issue as widely as possible.

Works of the Forest Guard Dog in the past include:

1991 Joined the campaign to oppose 48 roads proposed for national security.

1995 Opposed the construction of Road 3310 around the Huai Kha Khaeng buffer zone.

1997 Opposed the Thai-Myanmar gas pipeline; opposed the encroachment on Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park; opposed the Royal Forest Department’s policy to draft regulations allowing private companies to lease national park land.

1998 Opposed the construction of VIP residences in the middle of Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary; campaigned to stop the Tungyai Naresuan mining project; joined the opposition to the Bonok-Hin Krut power plant.

2001 Opposed the Mineral Act (B.E. 2544) and the Potash Mine; opposed the construction of a road through Western Thungyai Naresuan forest; opposed the organization of a rally to release endangered White-winged Ducks in Khao Bandai, Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary.

2002  Opposed the project to build the Huai Kha Khaeng Nature Study Center at Khao Nang Ram Wildlife Research Station; joined the campaign against the draft Mineral Act; joined the opposition to the release of lead into the Klity Creek.

2004  Opposed the construction of the Khlong Lan–Umphang road through Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary and Mae Wong National Park.

2005 Opposed the construction of a road through the Western Thungyai Naresuan forest.

2006 Opposed the construction of a tunnel to divert water from Si Nakharin Dam through conservation areas; opposed the reclassification of Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary into a National Park; opposed the construction of a road through Kaeng Krung National Park; opposed mining and mineral transport through Thungyai Naresuan forest.

2007 Opposed the law allowing the lease of land in Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks.

2008 Opposed the leasing of marine national park areas (Andaman Sea).

2009 Opposed the Mae Wong Dam project, and continues to oppose it to the present day.

2011 Monitored the situation regarding encroachment on reserved forest areas and National Parks in Wang Nam Khiao District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province.

2014 Opposed the concession for blasting a mountain at Khao Pha Raet.

2015 Opposed the project to construct a cable car up Phu Kradueng; opposed Section 38 in the draft National Park Act (B.E. …).

2016 Opposed the revocation of forest land adjacent to Doi Suthep-Pui National Park to build residences for the Court of Appeals Region 5; opposed the expansion of Highway No. 12 in Nam Nao National Park, Phetchabun Province; joined opposition to the ‘Pracharat’ weir construction projects in conservation areas; monitored the operation to relocate Indochinese Tigers from Wat Pa Luang Ta Bua Yannasampanno (Tiger Temple); monitored the situation of online wildlife trade.

2017 Opposed the use of Section 44 to push the Mae Wong Dam project forward.

2018 Monitored the prosecution of the wildlife poaching case (Black Panther) in Western Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary.

2019 Joined opposition to the Nong Ta Dang Reservoir project.

2021 Opposed the Yom River Diversion project; opposed the Khlong Wang Tanod Reservoir project.

2022 Opposed the removal of the Red-whiskered Bulbul from the list of protected wildlife.

2023 Campaigned to restore justice to personnel and administration within the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

2024 Opposed the revocation of Thap Lan National Park; opposed the approval of the report for the construction of the Si Nakharin Dam water diversion tunnel.

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