Tropical Rainforest & Biodiversity

Although Thailand occupies only 0.4% of the Earth's surface, it is estimated to host 10% of all animal and plant species in the world. This is due to its unique location: Thailand is the bridge between the Indo-Burmese and the Malay-Sunda bioregions — two of the most species-rich areas on Earth.

Forest Types

• Tropical Rainforest: In the south and southwest (Khao Sok, Khao Lak), evergreen, with trees up to 60 m high, extreme species diversity. Home to tigers, leopards, Malayan bears, and the largest flower in the world — the Rafflesia (up to 80 cm in diameter, smells like carrion).
• Monsoon Forest: In central and northern Thailand, loses its leaves in the dry season. Teak, Dipterocarpus, and bamboo forests.
• Highland Forest: In the northern mountains (over 1,000 m), cooler, with oaks, chestnuts, and rhododendrons. The Doi Inthanon (2,565 m) is Thailand's highest mountain.
• Mangroves: Along the coasts, especially in Phang Nga and Trang. Important protection against tsunamis and nursery for fish.

Wildlife Highlights

Thailand is home to over 300 mammal species, 1,000 bird species, and 350 reptile species. Some of the most remarkable include:

• Indochinese Tiger: Fewer than 200 specimens in the wild, mainly in the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Asian Elephant: About 3,000–4,000 in captivity, only ~3,000 still living wild.
• Gibbons: White-handed gibbon and lar gibbon — their song penetrates the rainforest in the early morning.
• Hornbills: Up to 13 species, including the spectacular great hornbill with its distinctive casque.
• Whale Sharks: In the waters around the Similan Islands and Richelieu Rock (October–May).