Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhanadirek disclosed that Phu Khiao Wildlife Sanctuary – Nam Nao National Park, and Phu Kradueng National Park of Thailand were officially registered as the 56th and 57th ASEAN Heritage Parks, respectively, during the 17th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment (17th AMME), held on 23-24 August 2023 in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

The meeting also bestowed the ASEAN Eco-Schools Award for secondary and primary sections to Ban Hua Hin Municipality Demonstration School for its exemplary efforts in inculcating environmental awareness in every aspect of education to students and surrounding communities. On this occasion, Mr. Montri Juetthaisogm, a teacher at Ban Hua Hin Municipality Demonstration School, also received the ASEAN Youth Eco-Champions Award.

The Phu Khiao Wildlife Sanctuary and Nam Nao National Park are both located in the province of Phetchabun. The majority of the land, 96.65%, is forest, with a diversity of geology and cave features.

As for Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province, it is covered with more than 98% forest and is a habitat for rare plants and wildlife.