Thailand’s remarkable biodiversity offers an ideal environment for studying conservation biology, sustainable agriculture, and human-wildlife coexistence, specifically for the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). Through significant community effort, this magnificent species has been restored to over 4000 elephants in the wild, granting our interdisciplinary field program an opportunity to explore the complex dynamics between Asian elephants, ecosystems, and local communities through hands-on research and collaboration.
Background Information
Owing to its strategic position at the convergence of four major biogeographic systems—the Indo-Malayan, Indo-Chinese, Sino-Himalayan, and Sundaic regions—Thailand constitutes one of Southeast Asia's most critical biodiversity hotspots, harboring extraordinary concentrations of endemic species across diverse ecosystems from northern montane forests to southern coastal woodlands. Within the broader Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, ranked among Earth's five most threatened yet species-rich regions, Thailand supports over 15,000 vascular plant species, 302 mammal species, and nearly 1,000 bird species within a territory roughly the size of France. The scale of this diversity becomes even more remarkable at local levels: researchers in Khao Yai National Park have recorded over 2,000 tree species per square kilometer. In comparison, studies in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary have documented 200 bird species and 77 mammal species within a single protected area, including Southeast Asia's largest remaining tiger population, as well as substantial wild elephant herds. Thailand’s small size and distinct biogeographic zones grant us the unparalleled opportunity to study each major ecosystem and observe firsthand the complex relationships between biodiversity, traditional ecological knowledge, and modern conservation challenges.
Like many tropical biodiversity hotspots, Thailand's extraordinary biological richness faces unprecedented pressures from climate change, development, and agricultural expansion, with forest cover declining from 53% in 1961 to approximately 31% today. Habitat fragmentation has intensified human-wildlife conflict, particularly affecting Thailand's estimated 4,000+ wild elephants—a conservation success story with significant population recoveries over the past three decades. Yet, these large herds now navigate landscapes where 70% of their historical habitat has been converted to other uses, creating complex challenges for both wildlife conservation and rural livelihoods. We will visit Kuiburi National Park and the community of Ruam Thai to explore human-elephant conflict and examine the remarkable innovations and solutions implemented by local farmers and community members, leveraging traditional ecological knowledge systems. Recent initiatives have successfully integrated local expertise with scientific monitoring technologies, creating participatory research frameworks that recognize both ecological complexity and social dimensions of conservation challenges. Our field studies will provide direct observation of these complex dynamics through immersive research experiences that emphasize reciprocal knowledge exchange between international students, local communities, and conservation practitioners, developing a nuanced understanding of how effective conservation emerges from the integration of scientific rigor, community wisdom, and collaborative problem-solving approaches.
Program Goals and Activities
Our Thailand program will examine the intersection of tropical ecology, elephant conservation, and sustainable agriculture through immersive field-based studies. As a team, we will work alongside conservation biologists, local farmers, traditional elephant keepers (mahouts), and community leaders to investigate the environmental and social dynamics shaping Thailand’s diverse landscapes, and how these impact human-elephant coexistence. All field methods and data collection techniques will be taught on-site. No prior field experience is required.
Through this program, we will cover the following topics in depth:
Elephants and Wildlife Observation
We begin by developing skills in elephant behavior observation and individual identification, working with one of Thailand’s premier elephant sanctuaries. Through structured observation and ethogram-based data collection, we will explore how Asian elephants interact with each other, their environment, and nearby human communities. We will apply these skills at multiple sites, including Kuiburi National Park, Thailand’s best location for observing elephants in the wild.
Tropical Ecology and Biodiversity Monitoring
As we travel from northern mountain forests to protected wildlife sanctuaries, we will study forest ecology, biodiversity, and wildlife monitoring techniques. At Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary—a UNESCO World Heritage site—we will use point counts, line transects, and observation blinds to explore one of Southeast Asia’s richest ecosystems, home to elephants, tigers, and dozens of rare species. We will discuss the importance of habitat connectivity and protected area management for conservation success.
Forest Restoration and Climate Resilience
Working with researchers from Chiang Mai University’s Forest Restoration Research Unit (FORRU), we will study native forest recovery and innovative restoration strategies. Field workshops will cover drone mapping, seedling identification, and biodiversity assessment. In Uthai Thani, we’ll explore regenerative agriculture and climate-smart solutions with Happy Ground, learning about biochar production, soil carbon testing, and the restoration of degraded agro-ecosystems.
Human-Wildlife Coexistence
Throughout the course, we will examine the complex relationship between local communities and elephants. At field sites in the Western Forest Complex and Ruam Thai Village, we will meet with community members to learn about coexistence tools such as beehive fences, crop-switching strategies, and early warning systems. We will consider the role of local knowledge in shaping effective, community-based conservation efforts.
The People of Thailand
Team members will engage with Thai communities across rural and urban landscapes. Through conversations with mahouts, farmers, park rangers, and conservation professionals, we will gain insight into the cultural, political, and economic dimensions of conservation. Basic Thai language phrases will be introduced to support respectful, reciprocal engagement with local people.
Academic Credit
Students will receive 15 quarter credits/10 semester credits from Western Washington University. Our staff will be happy to explain the program in further detail to the applicant’s advisor, if necessary. This field studies program gives credit in three courses:
Environmental Wildlands Studies (5 quarter credits/3.35 semester credits)
Environmental Field Survey (5 quarter credits/3.35 semester credits)
Wildlands Environment and Culture (5 quarter credits/3.35 semester credits)
Students will be evaluated on the basis of: 1) active participation in our learning process and activities; 2) examinations and other graded assignments; and 3) implementation and presentation of an independent research project.
Team members are expected to conduct themselves maturely and responsibly. Wildlands Studies reserves the right to require any student to withdraw from the program if their conduct is detrimental to or incompatible with the interests, safety, or welfare of any course participants. We ask all students to read the Student Program Manual before attending the on-site program.
Team Logistics
Participants will fly into Chiang Mai, Thailand, and meet at Chiang Mai International Airport. Participants can decide whether to fly home on the scheduled date or stay in Thailand to travel independently. Within Thailand, we will travel as a group on both public and privately chartered transport. Examples include trains, minibuses, and songtaews (a truck with benches in the back that is just the right size for our class).
All reasonable efforts will be made to follow the activities outlined above. However, please understand that in our program, travel arrangements in Thailand can remain tentative until the travel takes place. Weather conditions, road closures, and bureaucratic considerations may affect our plans. Wildlands Studies has developed an innovative and unique program in Southeast Asia, and team members must be flexible, patient, and prepared to adapt to unexpected situations. Being flexible also allows us to take advantage of unique opportunities that can produce some of the program’s most memorable moments.
Accommodations
We will primarily lodge at research stations but will also camp, backpack, and occasionally stay at rural guesthouses throughout Thailand.
Food
Food is handled differently in each of our programs. Wildlands Studies will provide approximately half of the meals on this program, utilizing local restaurants, cultural centers, and food provided by our in-country partners. Participants will be responsible for purchasing and cooking the other half of their meals, snacks, and any personal items. Detailed information about meals and food management will be provided in the Logistics Packet. If you have any dietary questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact our office.
HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Each participant’s personal health and well-being are crucial to the success of the program and the health and well-being of its other participants. Participants must arrive to the program having reviewed our Health and Well-Being Page.
Official Documents/Visa
You will need a current passport that does not expire until six months after the end of the program. Entry requirements for Thailand are straightforward. Wildlands Studies participants with U.S. passports can enter without obtaining a visa. Instead, you will receive an entry permit upon arrival that allows you to stay for the duration of our program.
Language
This program is taught in English. The Instructor and other staff will translate as needed. Of course, it is always helpful to speak Thai, and if you have the chance, please practice or brush up on your language skills before the program initiates.
Pre-Program Logistics Packet
Detailed information regarding travel and visa requirements, equipment specifications, food costs, meeting arrangements, group expense payment, medical and vaccination recommendations, and academic preparations will be sent to all team members in a logistics letter, emailed approximately ten to twelve weeks before the program commences.
