Royal Thai Embassy and OISCA International launch the “Environmental Restoration and Community Development Project” in preparation of the 140th Anniversary of the Establishment of Thailand - Japan Diplomatic Relations

05/11/2025

On 5 November 2025, H.E. Mr. Witchu Vejjajiva, Ambassador of Thailand to Japan, and Mrs. Etsuko Y. NAKANO, President of OISCA International, officially launched the “Environmental Restoration and Community Development Project in Chiang Rai Province” at the Royal Thai Embassy. The event was also witnessed by Mr. NAGAISHI Yasuaki, Vice President of OISCA International and Mr. KONAGAYA Hideaki, Director of the Southeast Asia Division 1, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

The Project aims to support the efforts of OISCA International and OISCA (Thailand) that have in their plan to restore deforested areas in Chiang Rai Province of about 200 rai (approximately 32 hectares) and develop them into “community forests” by engaging local people in looking after the gradually regrown forests while allowing them to utilise and benefit from the result of their efforts.

Initiated by the Royal Thai Embassy with the support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, OISCA International and OISCA (Thailand), the project has laid a ground work for a commemorate activity to celebrate the 140^th anniversary of the establishment of Thailand - Japan diplomatic relations in 2027. The financial contribution from the Royal Thai Embassy together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will support the reforestation of 35 rai (about 3.5 hectares) of land over a three-year period from 2025 - 2028. The Project exemplifies the collaboration between the Royal Thai government and the Japanese civil society in environmental preservation that can go hand in hand with the sustainable development of well-being of local communities in Thailand.