Economy
Thailand’s Forest Cover Declines by 112,000 Rai in 2025
New data from Prachachat Business reveals a significant reduction in Thailand's forest area, with the Northern region facing the most severe impact.
According to a report by Prachachat Business, Thailand’s forest cover dropped to 31.43% of the country's total land area in 2025. Official statistics indicate a loss of over 112,000 rai of forest, with the Northern region suffering the most significant damage, accounting for 83,000 rai of the total loss. Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son provinces were identified as the areas with the highest rates of deforestation.
The report highlights a paradoxical trend: while Thailand’s population is declining, the encroachment on forest land continues to rise. This is attributed to an increasing demand for land to support agricultural activities and infrastructure development.
For residents and travellers, this environmental shift may impact the natural landscape and air quality in Northern Thailand, particularly during the dry season. While the data provides a clear picture of the current forest status, the long-term environmental consequences and the specific government measures to mitigate this loss remain to be confirmed. Observers are watching to see how authorities will balance infrastructure needs with conservation efforts in these critical ecological zones.