Introducing "HANDS FOR HEROES": A Collaborative Effort to Support Forest Guardians This initiative, aptly named "HANDS FOR HEROES," aims to unite individuals in support of those who dedicate their lives to safeguarding our forests.

On Saturday, June 2nd, a large group of people gathered at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre to participate in various activities, including selling goods, performing music, and setting up exhibition boards. The event aimed to highlight the work of forest rangers who are dedicated to protecting Thailand's forests.

The front courtyard of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

As is well known, the work of forest rangers is highly risky. In addition to fighting against those who encroach on the forest, hunt wildlife, and seek out Siamese rosewood, they are also responsible for managing other matters within Thailand's forests. If something were to happen to them, they would have the burden of supporting their families or the burden of supporting themselves if they were unable to work. This creates a conflict between their duty to protect the forest and their duty as a head of household.

Recognizing the sacrifices made by forest rangers, the SCG Foundation continues its commitment to providing scholarships to their children. The foundation believes that investing in education is the most sustainable form of development and that there is no better way to show appreciation for forest rangers than by securing the educational future of their children. By joining hands, we can ensure that the support provided is comprehensive, allowing forest rangers to focus on their vital work without worrying about the future.

A musical band performing music and singing songs with themes of forest conservation.

The SCG Foundation, in collaboration with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, private organizations, and civil society, has launched the "HANDS FOR HEROES" project to support forest rangers. The project aims to raise awareness of the importance of forest rangers and encourage public support for their work. The first activity, "Paint for Heroes," allows city dwellers to paint and auction shirts to raise funds for the purchase of patrol equipment for forest rangers.

Booth for sponsors of forest conservation activities

Khun Khongcharoen Saengsuphan, Executive Director of the SCG Foundation, stated that "The SCG Foundation has been providing scholarships to the children of forest rangers since 2015 under the Sharing the Dream Scholarship program. This initiative aims to recognize the dedication, sacrifice, and risks undertaken by forest rangers in protecting forests on behalf of all Thai people. It also helps alleviate the burden on forest rangers, allowing them to perform their duties without worry. To date, the foundation has awarded over 300 scholarships."

Other Support Booths

In addition to providing scholarships to the children of forest rangers in 2018, the foundation has expanded its assistance to society by collaborating with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and TV Burapha Co., Ltd. to initiate the "HANDS FOR HEROES" project. This project aims to raise awareness among all sectors of society, including the private sector, civil society, the public, and the media, about the importance of the role of forest rangers. This will lead to increased cooperation in providing assistance and encouragement to forest rangers in the future. The project plans to organize three activities this year: Paint for Heroes, Run for Heroes, and Song from Heroes-Song for Heroes. The foundation invites everyone to join hands to send encouragement to forest rangers.

The "Pain for Heroes" event marks the inaugural initiative of the "HANDS FOR HEROES" project. This project aims to provide an opportunity for everyone to contribute and show their support for forest rangers. Participants can purchase T-shirts, participate in a T-shirt painting activity, or bid on T-shirts designed by renowned artists, celebrities, and prominent figures from various fields. These include renowned artist Pae See Nam, Associate Professor Tingkarn Kasornsuwan, Lampoo Kansena, Miaow-Pawanrat Naksuriya, Note-Vacharaboon Leesuwan, Professor Sasin Chelimlarp, and Dr. Lot-N.S.P. Phattaraphon Manion, among others. All proceeds will be used to purchase patrol equipment for forest rangers.

Mother Oum Viyada Umarin joins Hands for Heroes event.

(Left) Mr. Check Suttipong Thammavuti of TV Burapha (Right) registers for the event.

In addition, the event will feature exhibitions on the project and the Friends of the Forest Network, a network of environmental workers from across the country. There will also be musical performances by forest rangers who will share stories of the forest through song.

Pichek "Chek" Suthipong Tharmwuthi, Natch "Note" Wacharapong Lamsin, SCG badminton players, and Num "Kongkapan" Khonkraphan

(Left) Mr. Thananya Netithammakul, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation

Mr. Thananya Netithammakul, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, expressed his gratitude to the SCG Foundation for recognizing the importance and virtue of forest rangers. He welcomed the support from the private sector and society in providing comprehensive assistance to rangers, including scholarships and equipment for patrolling. He emphasized that this support would significantly enhance the efficiency of rangers' work and their ability to protect natural resources for the benefit of Thailand. He expressed his confidence that all rangers would be proud and committed to fulfilling their duties to the best of their abilities.

Mascot with SCG Executives

SCG executives take a photo with forest rangers and their children.

Uthai Duangduen, a forest ranger at Ta Phraya National Park in Sa Kaeo Province, expressed his pride in his 22 years of service. "I've been working as a forest ranger since 1996," he said. "My job is to patrol the forest, check for illegal logging, and track down offenders. Our unit forms patrol teams of 6-7 people to cover the vast area. We patrol for at least 15 days each month, spending 3-4 nights in the forest each time. We face dangers from both poachers and wild animals."

Take a souvenir photo

In 2012, my team received a report from villagers that a bear had wandered into their village. We went to investigate and attempted to guide the bear back into the forest. During this encounter, I was severely injured by the bear, sustaining extensive facial wounds. I was hospitalized at Buriram Hospital for a month. As I regained consciousness, I couldn't help but wonder what would have happened to my family if I hadn't survived. Who would protect and care for them?

Attend the opening ceremony in the conference room.

One day, I learned that the SCG Foundation was providing scholarships to my children. This brought me great comfort, as the scholarships would help alleviate the financial burden of their tuition, food, and school supplies. While I will always worry about my children, I am no longer concerned about their educational future. The recognition we have received has given me more motivation to work hard. As a forest ranger, I would like to thank everyone for their support and assistance through the HANDS FOR HEROES project. It is a source of encouragement that empowers us to continue protecting the forest without worry.

Forest rangers who attended the event.

Thidarat Duangduen, the daughter of Mr. Uthai, is currently in her third year of secondary school at Rom Klao School in Buriram Province. She received a scholarship from the SCG Foundation's Sharing the Dream Scholarship program in 2017. "I've seen my father go into the forest since I was in kindergarten," she said. "He spends the night there to catch poachers. His job is very dangerous. When I found out that my father was seriously injured by a bear, I was very scared. I was afraid that he would not be with us anymore. He was hospitalized for a month."

The host opened the ceremony.

SCG Executive Opens the Event

Note: This translation assumes the original text is referring to an event opening speech by an executive from SCG (Siam Cement Group).

The Legacy of a Forest Guardian: A Daughter's Journey

The unwavering dedication of my father, a staunch protector of the forest, has left an indelible mark on my life. His unwavering commitment to preserving the natural world, even at the cost of his own well-being, has instilled in me a profound respect for the environment and a deep desire to follow in his footsteps.

My father's unwavering love for the forest led him back to its embrace even after recovering from illness. His selfless actions, driven by a deep-seated desire to shield the forest from harm, have resonated far beyond the boundaries of our home. The SCG Foundation, recognizing his unwavering dedication, has generously awarded me a scholarship, a testament to the transformative power of my father's legacy.

The Foundation's representatives have consistently emphasized that my father's exemplary character played a pivotal role in their decision. His unwavering commitment to the well-being of others has not only secured my education but has also ignited within me a burning desire to pursue a career in nursing.

Inspired by my father's unwavering dedication, I aspire to become a nurse, tending not only to the physical needs of patients but also to the guardians of the forest who, like my father, selflessly dedicate their lives to its preservation. Their sacrifices deserve recognition and support, and I believe that my chosen path will allow me to contribute meaningfully to their well-being.

Furthermore, I urge everyone to join hands in protecting our precious forests, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Let us honor the legacy of those who have dedicated their lives to safeguarding these vital ecosystems, ensuring that their efforts are not in vain.

Through my academic pursuits and unwavering commitment to environmental conservation, I hope to carry forward the torch ignited by my father, ensuring that his legacy of selfless service and unwavering dedication to the forest continues to inspire and empower others.

Prepare to open the event

Click on the stand to open the event.

Driven by the recognition of the sacrifices made by forest rangers, the SCG Foundation continues its commitment to providing scholarships to their children. We believe that there is no more sustainable development than investing in people, and no better way to show our gratitude to forest rangers than by securing the education of their children. Today, by joining hands, we can ensure that our support reaches even further, providing comprehensive assistance and backing to forest rangers, so they no longer have to worry about the future of their families.

Group photo for memory's sake.

Invitation for Forest Rangers Who Have Experienced Accidents to Share Their Experiences

Uthai Duangdeun, a wildlife protection officer at Ta Phraya National Park in Sa Kaeo Province,
and his daughter, Thidarat Duangdeun,
with the picture they prepared for their father.

Group photo for memory

Who's who, come and see.

(Left) This officer was shot by poachers who were stealing rosewood. The bullets are lodged in his chest and right thigh and have not yet been removed. (Right) Mr. Uthai Duangduen, a forest ranger at Ta Phraya National Park in Sa Kaeo Province, and his daughter, Ms. Thidarat Duangduen.

The family of a forest ranger who suffers from kidney disease and is no longer able to conduct patrols.

(Left) Actor Praptpadol Suwanbang and Head of the Arrest Team, Wichai Chinwong, who arrested the black panther killer. (Right) Outdoor activities.

Join the T-shirt Painting Activity for Forest Rangers

Actor Note Watcharabul Leesuwan from Channel 7 participated in a T-shirt painting activity.

Exhibition of Paintings by People with Disabilities

External event atmosphere